Fritz fell to 38-year-old Gael Monfils in four sets, as he suffered his earliest exit at a Grand Slam tournament since losing in the second round of Wimbledon, 17 months ago.

A finalist at the US Open, and ATP Finals in 2024, Fritz was looking to kickstart his year on the right foot as he searches for a maiden Major title.

He’ll now look ahead to his next few tournaments on the ATP Tour, one of which is the Mexican Open, which is set to take place between February 24 and March 1.

However, in a move that sparked controversy among fans, Fritz was recently announced as a participant in the MGM Rewards Slam exhibition tournament, on March 1, and 2.

Some suggested that the move was a ‘terrible look’ for Fritz and the other players scheduled to participate in both events.

The 27-year-old recently took to social media to clear things up, as he hit back at his critics.

Taylor Fritz is ‘pretty disappointed’ at critics who ‘assumed the worst’ amid scheduling controversy

After receiving criticism online, the American took to X to share his thoughts on the matter.

“Just to clarify, the women’s match is on the first and all the men’s matches are [on] the second,” said Fritz.

“I wouldn’t sign up for an event that coincides with the finals of a potential tour event before the tournament even starts.”

Fritz then laid out the two main reasons why he wouldn’t do so.

“1.) That would be just setting yourself up for failure,” he said.

“2.) I’m pretty sure there are rules against doing that in the first place.”

The 27-year old then explained why he was disappointed to have been criticized.

“That being said, I’m pretty disappointed that people can’t figure that out for themselves and just assume the worst that we are all double booking an exo [exhibition] during the finals of an important event as if we aren’t planning on doing well at the tournament or something ridiculous along those lines.”

Fritz isn’t the only player scheduled to participate in both events as his fellow American Tommy Paul, and world number two Alexander Zverev are also set to make appearances.

Another American, Mardy Fish defended Fritz, after he was criticized online.

“Why would that dude do the research when he can just click post!” said Fish.

What’s next for Taylor Fritz after early exit at the Australian Open?

With the scheduling confusion seemingly put to bed, Fritz can now focus on getting back to winning ways on the ATP Tour.

Over the next few weeks, the top players will be split across different continents, as they choose the tournaments they wish to play.

• Rotterdam, Doha
• Buenos Aires, Rio
• Dallas, Delray Beach

Most players have chosen one of the three options above, with Fritz taking his talents back home to play two tournaments in the United States.

Fritz will play at the Dallas Open, an event upgraded to the ATP 500 level for the first time in 2025, as he looks to win a title above the ATP 250 level for just the second time in his career.

The world number four will be joined by several top ten stars, as he enters the tournament as the number one seed.

He’ll face a tough test from the likes of Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton but will fancy his chances of coming away with the title in Texas.

One week later, Fritz will head to Delray Beach in Florida, where he is a two-time defending champion.

The world number four took down Paul in the 2024 final, and may well have to do so again, as the pair enter the tournament as the top two seeds.

Only time will tell if Fritz can finally get his hands on an ATP 500 trophy again, or win his third title at Delray Beach, but it’ll certainly be worth a watch.

Fritz is set to return to the court at the Dallas Open, which begins on February 3.

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