Taylor Fritz Reaches 250 Hard-Court Wins as Washington Open Campaign Begins in Style

Posted : 28 July 2026

Taylor Fritz celebrated a major career milestone by recording his 250th hard-court victory after defeating Belgium's Zizou Bergs in the opening round of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington. The American third seed needed just 79 minutes to secure a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 victory and book his place in the second round.

The world number 10, who is chasing his 11th ATP Tour singles title, controlled the match despite facing several break-point opportunities. Fritz said he felt the momentum shift in his favour after closing out the opening set and taking an early lead in the second, adding that protecting his serve throughout the contest was key to the victory. He will next face either fellow American Tommy Paul or Poland's Kamil Majchrzak.

The tournament also saw Britain's Jack Draper withdraw before his opening match because of a left arm injury, extending a frustrating spell that also forced him to miss Wimbledon. Draper admitted the past few months had been filled with setbacks but expressed hope that he would continue making progress in his recovery. Lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald took his place in the draw.

Japan's Kei Nishikori enjoyed a memorable return by defeating China's Shang Juncheng 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 in his first ATP Tour match of the season. The former Washington champion, who plans to retire at the end of the year, claimed his first tour-level victory in 14 months after battling through a demanding two-and-a-half-hour contest.

One of the biggest upsets of the day came when France's Terence Atmane rallied past sixth seed Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to eliminate the hometown favourite. Meanwhile, defending champion and top seed Alex de Minaur is set to begin his title defence against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas.

In the women's draw, defending champion Leylah Fernandez made an impressive start with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Poland's Magda Linette. The Canadian credited her consistency and disciplined play for the result and will next face either Alexandra Eala of the Philippines or China's Zheng Qinwen.

Former champion Liudmila Samsonova also advanced after overcoming American Madison Keys in three sets, while tennis legend Venus Williams rolled back the years by winning her doubles opener alongside Diana Shnaider. The pair defeated Ulrikke Eikeri and Quinn Gleason in straight sets to make a successful start to their campaign.

Taylor Fritz Reaches 250 Hard-Court Wins as Washington Open Campaign Begins in Style

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