Taylor Fritz was embarrassed to retire in his match in Washington but it was the right thing to do in the circumstances.
First and Evans had to play a tennis match in sweltering conditions as the capital is experiencing a heat wave this week. They are not the only ones who had to endure those conditions but the majority of players have lamented the conditions that become even worse due to the occasional shower and the hard court which reflects the heat rather well.
Fritz felt lightheaded for most of the match and after failing to use his match point in the 2nd set he fell behind 1-4 with Evans having a double break lead. It was pointless to continue and he threw in the towel. Taking to social media, Fritz explained:
"First off health-wise, I'm okay. I feel embarrassed not being able to finish a match. I've never pulled out of a match in my life but after my episode in Toronto last year where I pushed myself to finish the match and almost passed out, I assured my team I would pull out if similar symptoms happened again."
Fritz further added:
"Typically, I pride myself on my fitness and ability to compete in very hot/ humid, brutal conditions like today. Many don't know this but I have been in a boot since Wimbledon. I started practice on court again this Saturday so playing here in DC was definitely ambitious but I'm really happy with my actual level of tennis and I'm really happy that my foot is feeling good."