Taylor Fritz made the perfect start to his campaign at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin by downing an out-of-sorts Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. 

The world No 6 earned a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory against the 2021 US Open champion in the opening singles match of the year-end championships.

There had been no break points in a close opening set until Medvedev inexplicably double-faulted three times in a row from 4-5, 30-15 to lose his serve and the set.

Fritz secured the decisive break of the second set to take a 4-2 lead when a mishit forehand lobbed Medvedev and landed in for a winner.

Medvedev, who had already received a warning for smashing his racket after losing the first set, did not react well to this stroke of misfortunate as his effort level dropped in the following game.

The world No 4 was handed a point penalty for throwing his racket and damaging a courtside microphone and he continued to toss his racket around after losing points.

Daniil Medvedev is NOT a happy man right now pic.twitter.com/efqa8gBD06

— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) November 10, 2024

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With Fritz serving at 4-2, 40-0, Medvedev’s meltdown continued as he bizarrely held the racket by the head and upside down when waiting to return. The Russian held in his next service game, but Fritz served out comfortably for an impressive win.

Fritz’s victory was his 50th win this season, with only Alexander Zverev (66), Jannik Sinner (65) and Carlos Alcaraz (52) having won more matches in 2024.

Following his first triumph over Medvedev, Fritz spoke about the challenge of facing an opponent who was clearly losing his head.

“I was able to grind through some long rallies or gets some free points,” the American told Sky Sports.

“I felt like hold that game [at 4-2 in the second set]… but I definitely felt at 5-3 he was going to reset and try as hard as he could to break me, so I had to tell myself he’s not going to be done with the match.

“It’s kind of easy when someone is doing that to relax and think they’re going to be done and then you drop your levels. I had to tell myself to stay focused and play a really good 5-3 game. Luckily, I serves a great game.”

Fritz will take on Alex de Minaur and Sinner in his other two robin matches in Turin. Sinner and de Minaur will meet on Sunday evening.

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