The final Grand Slam of the year is almost here, and the buzz around the US Open is building to a fever pitch. Tennis enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats as the sport’s biggest names gear up for another major showdown in Flushing Meadows. But amid all the excitement, there’s a surprising bit of news from Taylor Fritz, that’s giving players like Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz a reason to breathe a little easier.

Alcaraz and Gauff witnessed unfavorable results at the recently concluded Cincinnati Masters. The star players were ousted from their respective opening matches, which came as a major surprise for them. However, tennis experts and fans were quick to attribute this defeat to the court conditions, that was playing extremely fast at Cincinnati. While similar conditions were expected to prevail at the US Open, Fritz has worthy news to share.

Speaking to ESPN during his preparations ahead of the Grand Slam, the American star revealed that the court was not too fast to be played upon. He revealed that the court pace is slower as compared to Cincinnati, but was not extremely slow, thereby giving it a medium-paced flavor. 

For the unversed, the Court Pace index value at the Cincinnati Masters increased from 34.6 in 2023 to 42.5 in the current season. While these figures were from the Grandstand, other courts, including the Centre Court, also demonstrated similar changes. The statement of Fritz comes as a major relief for several players who were bothered by the pace of the hard courts at the American swing this season. A similar report was echoed by Lindsay Davenport earlier.

The former American tennis player spoke on Tennis Channel and highlighted the speed of the courts at the US Open. She revealed that the courts were playing slower than the ones in the Cincinnati Masters. The situation was also evaluated by tennis commentator and Journalist Jose Morgado. Taking to X, he wrote, “Heard that from a couple of players that are playing the Qualies this week. They say the courts are NOT fast at all.” While these updates are definitely relaxing for many players, it is indeed more satisfying for Alcaraz who admitted to the challenges he faced on fast-paced courts.

“It was the worst match” – When Carlos Alcaraz acknowledged struggling on fast-paced hard courts

Alcaraz witnessed a surprising defeat at the Cincinnati Masters against Gael Monfils. The Frenchman ousted the Spanish sensation in the second round of the tournament in three sets 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. Soon after the defeat, Alcaraz reflected upon where he faltered.

Speaking at the post-match presser, Alcaraz said, “Honestly, it was very very tough for me. I felt like it was the worst match that I ever played in my career. Couldn’t, couldn’t play, honestly.” He further reflected upon the challenges posed ahead of him due to the pace of the court. “Probably, it felt like it was another sport playing on the Center court than the other, other courts. The balls were faster on the, on the center court, bouncing much, much more than other courts.”

But with the US Open expected to offer some relief, it would be interesting to see if Alcaraz can come out of the setback and clinch another title at Flushing Meadows.