Taylor Fritz believes he is getting stronger when performing on red clay courts, but admits to being behind some of his European competitors on the surface.
The American player returned to red clay courts recently as he took part in the Monte-Carlo Masters and lost in the semi-finals against eventual winner Andrey Rublev. Fritz then participated in the Bavarian International and again reached the semi-final stage before losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets.
When reflecting on his progress early in the European clay court season, Fritz said to the ATP Tennis Podcast that he feels confident on the red clay courts. In addition, he shared his excitement about the upcoming competitions, with the Madrid Open up next for the American.
"I feel like I've never really hated being on, on red clay. Green clay can't stand it. But red clay. I've always liked it. Maybe not my best surface, but I feel like I've had some good results on it. And. I'm excited to be back."
Like other American players, Fritz grew up playing tennis on the green clay courts in contrast to the European players, who generally learn their game on the red courts. As a result, Fritz believes he needs to think more carefully about his game compared to some of his ATP competitors when it comes to the clay court season.
"No matter how good I feel on clay or feel like I'm getting adjusted to red clay for a lot of people, it's just, it's what they grew up on. And I'll never feel as good on it as they do, but I just have to I guess make up for it by playing even better."
"I have to kind of readjust my thinking in a lot of situations, you don't always get the same reward for taking certain risks. So you need to be a little bit more patient and watch it. Sometimes I can hurt myself by trying to step in and be aggressive because I'm giving up core position to do that and I'm not getting a winner off of it. So I have to pick and choose times to be aggressive."
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