Fritz outguns Jodar to win ATP Washington title
World number 10 Taylor Fritz held off 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Monday to claim his first ATP title of 2026 in the rain-delayed final at Washington.He held for 5-4 to force Fritz to serve it out, the American's chance delayed just slightly as Jodar had treatment on his left wrist after taking a tumble in the ninth game.
In a hard court ATP tournament in Washington, American tennis player Taylor Fritz secured his first title of 2026, defeating 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Seeded third, Fritz needed five match points to overcome the young competitor and claim his 11th ATP title, marking his first since Eastbourne the previous year.
Fritz broke Jodar's serve early in the first set tiebreaker and extended his lead to 3-0, maintaining control throughout the set. Despite Jodar's comeback efforts and a double fault giving Fritz a break point, the American held firm, ultimately winning the second set 6-4. Jodar, holding a 24th-ranked position, couldn't secure another break point and failed to convert multiple match points, ultimately losing the final game.
The match, postponed from Sunday due to heavy rain, marked Fritz's third final of the season. Exhausted, Fritz collapsed to the court and later saluted the crowd upon securing the victory. He attributed the windy conditions to contributing to errors from both players, particularly in the first set. Jodar, by reaching the final, assured himself of reaching a career-high 15th position in the rankings.
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- Fritz outguns Jodar to win ATP Washington title freemalaysiatoday.com
