In a candid moment during the 2025 US Open quarterfinals, Taylor Fritz’s coach, Michael Russell, labeled the American’s performance “atrocious” in a live ESPN interview with John McEnroe and Brad Gilbert, as reported by *TennisWorldUSA* and *Motorcyclesports.net* on September 3, 2025. Fritz, the World No. 4 and 2024 US Open finalist, fell to Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on September 2, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, extending his winless record against the Serbian to 0-11. Russell’s scathing critique focused on Fritz’s pivotal second-set service game at 5-5, which he called a “donation” due to a double fault and passive play, allowing Djokovic to break and secure a two-set lead.
Russell didn’t hold back, stating, “The 5-5 game was atrocious. He’s giving Novak too much credit. Just stay in the rally and find a forehand to go after,” per *Hindustan Times*. He attributed Fritz’s struggles to psychological barriers, noting his 0-10 head-to-head deficit against Djokovic, saying, “It’s the US Open—get the crowd involved and just relax.” Fritz’s performance was marred by a 2-for-13 break-point conversion rate, with nine missed opportunities in the first two sets, as reported by *ATP Tour*. Despite a spirited third-set win, driven by a crowd-fueled break at 3-1, Fritz faltered in the fourth, double-faulting on Djokovic’s third match point at 4-5, per *The Guardian*.
Fritz echoed his coach’s frustration in his post-match presser, admitting, “I had so many chances… I was converting and playing these points really poorly,” per *TennisWorldUSA*. He acknowledged Djokovic’s clutch play, saying, “That’s what makes the great players great. They win the big points,” and lamented his inability to capitalize, with his aggressive shots “letting me down.” *ESPN* noted Fritz’s 53 unforced errors and a 53% first-serve percentage, contrasting with Djokovic’s 10-for-11 serve-and-volley success. Jim Courier, on commentary, remarked that Fritz’s forehand and serve, typically his weapons, were “non-existent” in critical moments.
Despite the loss, Fritz’s 2025 season has been stellar, with a Wimbledon semifinal and consistent top-five ranking, per *Outlook India*. Posts on X, like @TennisUpdates25, highlighted the challenge of facing a 24-time Grand Slam champion, with one user noting, “Tough not to give Djokovic credit when he’s won 24 of these.” As Fritz shifts focus to the 2026 Australian Open, addressing mental hurdles and converting break points will be key to overcoming his Djokovic jinx.
