In one of the most gripping matches of the 2025 Miami Open, Taylor Fritz held his nerve to defeat Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7(7), 7-5, securing a spot in the semifinals. What many thought would be a straightforward win for the American quickly turned into a rollercoaster of emotions as Berrettini saved six match points in a dramatic second set. But Fritz showed resilience, rallying back in the third set to claim victory.
Surviving the Drama
Fritz entered the match with a dominant 4-0 record against Berrettini, but the Italian was determined to turn the tide. After dropping the first set, Berrettini produced moments of brilliance, fending off match points with clutch serves and nerveless shot-making. One particularly breathtaking drop shot on a match point left the Miami crowd on its feet.
Yet, despite the missed opportunities, Fritz kept his composure. “I just kept telling myself to stay positive and move on,” said Fritz. “Matteo played incredibly well in those moments, but I knew I had to reset and keep believing.”
Fritz’s Extra Gear
While Berrettini was relentless, Fritz’s solid baseline game and powerful serve made the difference. His serve proved crucial, with the American firing 16 aces compared to Berrettini’s 17. In key moments, Fritz’s aggressive return strategy paid off, particularly against the Italian’s vulnerable second serve.
“There’s always a choice in those moments: you get frustrated, or you reset and keep fighting,” Fritz explained. “Tonight, I chose to fight.”
Looking Ahead
Next, Fritz faces 19-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Mensik in the semifinals. Mensik, who has been making waves throughout the tournament, will be eager to extend his remarkable run. Fritz won their only previous encounter at the 2023 US Open in straight sets, but Mensik’s growth since then makes this matchup unpredictable.
“It’s going to be a fun one,” Fritz said. “He’s got a lot of talent, and it’ll be a great challenge.”
With his sights set on a second Masters 1000 title, Fritz will need to draw from his Miami momentum and newfound confidence. For now, though, the American can savor a hard-fought victory that showcased his resilience and determination.
Stay tuned as Fritz and Mensik battle for a coveted spot in the Miami Open final!
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