Fritz sets up Tiafoe meeting in Tokyo final after beating in-form Shapovalov

| by Evita Mueller

After Nick Kyrgios withdraw from their quarterfinal match, Taylor Fritz secured his spot in the 2022 Japan Open semifinals.

Another American in the draw, Frances Tiafoe defeated Soonwoo Kwon in the first semifinal of the day in Tokyo and a few hours later, Taylor Fritz ensured an all-American final after defeating Denis Shapovalov in a three set battle that lasted more than two hours.

2022 Japan Open Tokyo ATP Prize Money & Points Overview - $1,953,285
2022 Japan Open Tokyo ATP Prize Money & Points Overview - $1,953,285

The Canadian was playing really well lately when he played the final in Seoul and was again only two matches away from winning the title in Tokyo. Yet, since the match started, Fritz was showing that it won't be easy to beat him.

He earned a hard-though break in the fourth game and never gave his opponent a chance to break back in the following games to take the first set 6-3 in only 35 minutes.

In the second set, both players traded breaks in the fifth and sixth game, but since none of them could increase the advantage, the second set had to be decided in a tie-break.

The American came as close as two points to winning the match, but eventually, Shapovalov prevailed and won the tie-break 7-5 to force a decider in Tokyo.

Confident after levelling the score, Shapovalov was up 3-1 in the third set, however, he lost all the remaining games as Fritz won the match 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 to set up final against Frances Tiafoe. Winner of the 2022 Japan Open will get 500 points and more than $350,000 in prize money.

"Winning is more of a habit now - I want more and more" - Tiafoe after ensuring new career-high
"Winning is more of a habit now - I want more and more" - Tiafoe after ensuring new career-high

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