Taylor FRITZ powers past Francisco CERUNDOLO to reach Madrid Open semifinals

Taylor Fritz (No. 13) seized the key moments to overcome Francisco Cerundolo (No. 22) by 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and advanced to the semifinals of the Madrid Open. The American is for the fourth time in his career in the semifinals of a Masters 1000, although it is the first on clay.

In the first set, it seemed like an easy day for the American, who not only was flawless with his serve but also took advantage of Cerundolo's difficulties with his serve. Fritz won the first five games consecutively and was 5-0 up in just 20 minutes of the match. The Argentine won his first service game but couldn't do more on Fritz's serve, who took the set 6-1.

The world No. 13 dominated in the rallies with 8 winners against his rival's 4 and mainly controlled from the baseline without too many long exchanges due to Cerundolo's irregularity. Fritz won 68% of the service points and 55% with the return, being immensely superior.

The second set changed the dynamic, and the Argentine managed to keep it level for a long time, although Fritz was more dominant with his serve. However, the former world No. 5 showed deficiencies in the eighth game and conceded a couple of break points to his rival, who seized the opportunity and went ahead 5-3. Fritz had the opportunity to break back, but Cerundolo managed to close the set 6-3 and take it to the third.

The uncertainty persisted for much of the third set, although Cerundolo's errors marked the development. Fritz won 94% of the points with his first serve and 46% with the second and did not concede any break opportunities to his rival.

The first break opportunity came in the eighth game, and in a point with a bit of luck for Fritz, he managed to take the lead 5-3, finally closing with his serve and securing the victory 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. In the semifinals, he will face Andrey Rublev, who had a great match to overcome the 2-times defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.