Taylor Fritz Stunned Early, but U.S. Still Finds a Way at the United Cup
So, let’s talk about a result that definitely raised some eyebrows at the United Cup. Taylor Fritz, the world No. 6 and one of the cornerstones of the U.S. team, opened his 2026 season with a shock loss to Argentina’s Sebastián Báez. On paper, it looked like a mismatch. Fritz had played Báez five times before and had never dropped a single set. But tennis, especially at the start of a new season, has a way of reminding everyone that nothing is guaranteed.
The setting mattered. Australia is a long trip for most players, and the United Cup comes right after an off-season that rarely allows full match sharpness. Rust was expected, but even then, Fritz and Coco Gauff probably didn’t imagine the U.S. would find itself 0–1 down in its opening tie against Argentina.
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Early on, things seemed routine. Fritz took the first set 6–4 and then surged ahead to a 2–0 lead in the second. At that point, the match appeared to be heading for a straightforward finish. But Báez, a player more known for his comfort on clay, refused to fade. Momentum slowly shifted. Fritz was broken back, chances were missed, and Báez began to swing freely. The second set slipped away 7–5, and in the decider, Fritz’s serve was broken again at a crucial moment. Just like that, Báez closed out a stunning 4–6, 7–5, 6–4 win.
Statistically, the result looked strange. Fritz hammered down 23 aces and won far more points behind his first serve. But the story was written elsewhere. He was exposed on his second serve and appeared too passive when attacking Báez’s delivery. When break points did arrive, Báez consistently found his best tennis, saving eight of 11 under real pressure.
After the match, the bigger picture became clearer. Fritz admitted that his off-season had been dominated by rehabbing knee tendinopathy. Match practice had been limited, and he openly warned that the early part of his season could be a struggle as he balances pain management with the need to get reps and rhythm back on court. It was made clear that if progress isn’t seen in the coming months, a full stop may be required.
Despite the setback, the U.S. campaign didn’t unravel. Coco Gauff stepped in and did exactly what was needed, dismantling Solana Sierra 6–1, 6–1 before teaming up with Christian Harrison to win the deciding mixed doubles. Fritz later withdrew from doubles to protect his knee.
In the end, the loss may mean little in the long run. The real question isn’t about one match in January, but whether Fritz’s body will allow him to build momentum as the season unfolds.
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