[1] T. Fritz b. [Q] M. Purcell 6-4 6-3
First set: serves only, Fritz takes advantage of the only opportunity. Second set: Fritz closes the score with ease
For the third time in his career, 5 years after the first, Taylor Fritz lifts the trophy of Rothesay International of Eastbourne. Third career title also on grass, eighth overall and second of a 2024 in which the American is demonstrating incredible consistency on all surfaces, with today’s victory it clearly places him on the grid of the main underdogs for Wimbledon. A victory with only two breaks, but without excessive effort, against a lively and never banal player, but light, like Max Purcell.
However, it was a week to remember for the Australian, who as a qualifier found a great final and that he will return No.68 in the world from Mondaywith the guarantee of access to many tournaments. And that, in doubles with Jordan Thompson, could play tricks on many at the Championships. While Fritz, who has climbed back up a n.12 and first in America, cannot fail to pose itself at least the quarters as a goal. A result that he actually achieved in 2022, just after winning for the second time in Eastbourne.
First set: only serves, Fritz takes advantage of the only opportunity
A start which, as expected, respects the progress of the services. Fritz is heavier, more positioned and often followed to the net instead of that of Purcellwho shows off his instincts and touch as a doubles player. There’s little to do on the forehand, the American has more heaviness, but if he doesn’t close quickly with the one-two he can suffer a lot from the weightless balls that the Australian often offers, both forehand and backhand.
In the end it will be though Fritz to get the first break, at the first and only chance. A seemingly harmless tenth game soon becomes fatal for a superficial Purcell, who misses a couple of comfortable volleys that allow the American to reach set point. There, even bent over by the tension, the Australian he doesn’t find the field already with the service and is forced to give up the first set in the worst possible way.
Second set: Fritz closes the score with ease
The second Purcell opens with grit, directed by the superiority of touch. Fritz has in the second game three break points in a row, which know a lot about condemnation. But the world no.94 draws on the best of his serve to move it and then punish him by preventing him from entering in the exchange with 5 points in a row that keep the match in balance. Unfortunately for him, salvation only comes once.
In fact, in the fourth game, blocking and anticipating responsesthe American gets three more break points in a row, which this time are handled less fortunately by Purcell. And consequently, causing others to make mistakes, American finds the break which gives him a further advantage, easily consolidated reaching 12 points in a row from 2-2. And in the ninth game, despite the courage and skill of the opponent in canceling three match points with class, he will put an end to a final that was actually never in question, pleasant at times but with a clear master.
“I haven’t played the best tennis on grass. In France I had a physical problem, I’m still recovering, but if I serve well I can compete even if I’m not at my best. I like playing here, apparently I play well“. Lapidary, simple and a little banal.
