Fritz talks about Alcaraz at the US Open: "He can find his best level, I'm sure"
The Californian offers interesting reflections before the 2026 US Open and believes that Alcaraz is right to compete in New York. "Not playing would have been the worst possible defeat."
Taylor Fritz is having a much more inconsistent season than usual, being affected by the knee injury he has not yet overcome. However, this does not diminish the motivation and confidence of the American heading into the US Open, a tournament in which he was a finalist a few years ago. At the Media Day, he was asked about the options of Carlos Alcaraz, and his response was clear.
He is one of the great hopes of American tennis at the US Open 2026 and does not shy away from that responsibility. Taylor Fritz is aware that the context in which the top favorites arrive at the tournament opens a window of opportunity for players like him, who have been established in the elite for years and are knocking on the door of glory with increasing assertiveness.
This is how Taylor Fritz spoke at the US Open 2026 Media Day
The good moment for American tennis
“I think it has been great to see that there is more noise and more excitement around this sport over the last few years.”
“Obviously, I said I wanted to be a part of it and help. I wouldn’t say it has much to do with what I'm doing, but with what we have done collectively.”
“I think we have a lot of people, both men, women, and also Americans, and the sport is becoming more fun and exciting.”
“Events are becoming more and more something to attend even if you’re not a tennis fan, which is really what I was looking for. Making it something more popular and mainstream is good for everyone.”
Fritz's aspirations at the US Open
“As I always say, I’m focused on my first round, on my first match. I don’t think too much beyond that. I only look at the draw to know who I’m playing in the first round.”
“I think that’s the only way I can compartmentalize things and stay in the moment when I’m out here playing. I’m not someone who likes to look ahead.”
“I know the quality in the draw. I think it would be disrespectful to think that, just because Sinner isn't here, it's a great opportunity, when you have players who have won Grand Slams this year like Zverev and Sinner, and obviously Novak is in the draw, players who have won big titles and are in great form.”
“There are also Jódar, Arthur Fils, and all the Americans, who are quite dangerous on this surface. I don’t think it would be smart to underestimate the group of players who are playing at a high level right now.”
Consistency, a key aspect for Fritz
“I think it’s about knowing what you have and what you don’t have on that day, working with yourself that way and not trying to force something you are not at that moment. At the same time, there’s the mental aspect of staying in that moment.”
“If I’m playing well, I don’t look for more and more, but try to keep myself at that 80% level. Also, being able to solve problems on the fly. Keeping the mind on the match for its entire duration is really, really important.”
“I was able to do it for two sets in every match I played there. It’s a bigger challenge here because you have to do it best of five sets and over more matches if you want to leave here with the title, but it’s a challenge I’m always looking forward to facing.”
Fritz highlights Alcaraz's danger at the US Open
The American was also asked about Carlos Alcaraz and his decision to compete in the US Open after four months without competing. Fritz believes that if the Spaniard feels physically prepared, it makes sense for him to be in New York.
“I think my answer is probably going to surprise you, because what else would he do? If he feels healthy enough to play, why not do it? That’s my opinion. It’s not necessarily easy to do, but if you can get past the first rounds, you start to feel quite good.”
“You start to regain your competitive rhythm and confidence. From there, there’s no reason he can’t find his level and play really well. Who knows? But I think if you feel healthy, it’s worth it. What’s the worst that can happen? You lose. Not playing the tournament is essentially the same as losing, in my opinion.”
Taylor Fritz’s reflection on the danger of Carlos Alcaraz in this US Open 2026 highlights the tremendous respect that the entire circuit has for the Spaniard and how they see it as possible that, despite the unfavorable context, he can win. It will be interesting to see how the tournament develops and whether the Californian finds his best version.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fritz habla de Alcaraz en el US Open: "Puede encontrar su mejor nivel, estoy seguro"