The Frenchman claimed a shock four-set win at Melbourne Park to beat the US Open runner-up for the first time.

But Fritz has put that defeat behind him and has made a solid start to the Dallas Open, but not after overcoming a physical setback.

Taylor Fritz provides injury update following Carlos Alcaraz’s concerns

Taylor Fritz is searching for his first indoor title and he made an impressive start to his Dallas Open campaign.

He faced a familiar opponent in Arthur Rinderknech and dispatched him for the loss of just six games to reach the next round.

Post-match Fritz spoke with Tennis Channel in which he revealed he was fighting to recover from an oblique injury, which he said was caused by the change of tennis balls that he was not expecting.

“I was trying to recover a bit from an injury, I hurt myself a bit before,” the Dallas Open top seed said. “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 used in Australia but they just weren’t.

“They were like the deadest balls ever so I’m just throwing my whole body into every single shot I hit and I think I maybe slightly tore something. But I was rehabbing it and just trying to get it good to play tonight, and it felt pretty good tonight so I’m happy.”

These comments come just a day after Carlos Alcaraz criticised the constant change of balls and warned it will cause players to get injured.

Carlos Alcaraz criticises balls changes while competing at Rotterdam Open

Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz has previously criticised the schedule for being too congested and not giving players enough time to recover.

Now Alcaraz has taken aim at the ATP Tour once again and called for them to make a change that would help to stop players from sustaining injuries.

While speaking to reporters at the Rotterdam Open, the World number three was not afraid to speak his mind and criticised the number of ball changes and different types of conditions on tour, which is leaving players at greater risk of injury.

“I think last year there were many injuries, many players with elbow or shoulder issues. Something needs to change. I know they will change it,” Alcaraz said boldly.

“Every week, practically every week, we have different balls, different conditions, so it’s complicated to adapt to them. However, we are here to give our best and give the best of ourselves.

“I have not had physical problems because of it so far, I work every day to be in shape, right now I’m fine.”

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