Break Point Episode 8 Recap: Fritz’s US Open, Ajla Takes On Serena

The highs in tennis can be incredible and the lows can be crushing. That was clearly shown in Episode 8 of Break Point.

Ajla Tomljanovic suffered a devastating defeat in Episode 7, when she let slip her lead against eventual champion Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon. The Australian was so close to glory and yet so far.

But part of the beauty of professional tennis is that there is always the next tournament. It did not take long for Tomljanovic to earn her shot at redemption. The hustle and bustle of the US Open proved the perfect setting for her moment in the spotlight.

The legendary Serena Williams was poised to “evolve” away from tennis at the final major of the season. That became the focus of the tournament.

“If she’s playing her best, no one can beat her,” Tomljanovic said.

Watch Episode 8 Trailer:

Little did Tomljanovic know she would be in line to stop the American’s hopes of a dream run.

Andy Roddick said of Williams: “Serena puts on a show and has the crowd in the palm of her hand. She’s potentially the most intimidating player in history.”

Tomljanovic made it clear Williams was the reason she dreamed as a kid. Her father was a professional handball player in Croatia, but their family moved to the United States to help Ajla pursue her dreams.

Now she was set to stand across the net from Williams inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The tremendous Break Point access paid dividends in footage of Tomljanovic FaceTiming with her cousin’s boyfriend, Felix Auger-Aliassime, who had been upset earlier in the tournament.

“You got this girl,” the Canadian said after providing his advice.

What does it look like before playing the biggest match of your life? Tomljanovic was at dinner with family and friends. Inevitably, the topic of Ajla facing her idol came up. Her father injected humour into the conversation when he joked of the upcoming match, “Hey guys, we are f***ed!”

Back in her hotel room, Tomljanovic received a call from Chris Evert, who said, “You’ve got to show some balls out there”. Ajla had a book on her bedside table titled You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero.

Tomljanovic withstood the pressure to stun Williams and end the legend’s final US Open. It was a moment she worked towards her whole life and the Australian rose to the occasion.

Taylor Fritz carried the weight of the world on his shoulders leading into the US Open, where he hoped to capture his first major title.

“No one really cares if you’re like five in the world in tennis,” said Fritz, explaining the importance of the majors.

The American and his girlfriend Morgan Riddle were in the car on the way to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for Fritz’s first-round match against Brandon Holt. Riddle picked up on potential nerves, which Fritz denied having.

But from feeling he was a title contender one moment, Fritz was out of the draw the next. He suffered a backbreaking defeat in the opening round. After the match, the American had a frustrated debrief in the locker room with coach Michael Russell and then shared an emotional moment with his family, including an extended embrace with his father.

Fritz said: “I really felt like I let myself down and I let a lot of people down.”