Overview
- World No. 6 Taylor Fritz fell to Sebastian Baez 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 at the United Cup in Perth, snapping his racquet after the defeat.
- Fritz told reporters his lingering knee tendinopathy kept him from pushing hard in the match despite a rehab-focused off-season.
- He plans to keep competing and build match sharpness while managing the injury, acknowledging he might need a full stop if it does not improve in the coming months.
- Post-match, he was seen discussing his knee with tournament officials, adding to concerns over his short-term fitness.
- The Australian Open begins January 18, with Fritz’s status under watch after a 2025 season that included titles in Eastbourne and Stuttgart and ATP Finals qualification despite tendonitis.