Taylor Fritz described the balls used during the Australian Open swing as “the deadest balls ever” and claimed that they caused him to pick up an oblique injury.
After going 4-1 in his singles matches at the United Cup and helping the United States win the title, the world No. 4 also won his opening two Australian Open matches before being upset by Gael Monfils in the third round.
Since he lost early in Melbourne, the 27-year-old had some free time in his disposal.
This week, Fritz returned to action at the ATP 250 tournament in Dallas, where he ousted Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-2 in the first round.
Later, the American appeared on Tennis Channel, where he revealed that he nursed an injury in the time between the Australian Open and the Dallas Open.
Fritz: They were like the deadest balls ever
“It was my oblique. It was caused because of the balls that were supposed to be the same balls as the ones we were using here and the ones we use in Australia, but they just weren’t,” the 2024 US Open finalist claimed.
“They were like the deadest balls ever, so I was throwing my whole body into every single shot I hit.
“I think I maybe slightly tore something, but I’ve been rehabbing it the whole time here, just trying to get it good to play tonight. It felt pretty good tonight, so I’m happy.”
Meanwhile, players complaining about the balls used on the ATP Tour isn’t anything new.
After losing in the Rotterdam round-of-16 to Mattia Bellucci on Wednesday, Daniil Medvedev again said that the balls were a big reason behind his struggles.
Meanwhile, Fritz made a strong start in Dallas and there is no doubt that he will want to bounce back this week after a disappointing Australian Open result.
In his next match, the top-seeded American plays against Denis Shapovalov.
Tennis World USA