Fritz Prepares For Unfamiliar Role In Atlanta

American Taylor Fritz will find himself in an unfamiliar spot when he makes his debut at the BB&T Atlanta Open on Tuesday evening. The 18-year-old California native likely won’t be the fan favourite, despite the fact that he’s playing in his home country.

In the first round, Fritz will face former University of Georgia All-American Austin Smith, who received a wild card into the main draw. Smith grew up in Atlanta and played No. 1 for the Georgia Bulldogs this past spring.

“If the crowd’s against me, I don’t blame them. I’m playing a Bulldog in Atlanta,” Fritz said. “I hope some people cheer for me.”

Smith, who will be making his ATP World Tour main draw debut, would prefer fans stay loyal and root for the hometown favourite.

“I hope the fans all stay on my side,” he said. “But Taylor is a great opponent. It’s going to be a fun match and I’m looking forward to it.”

The 22-year-old Smith has played in ITF Futures events but only one ATP Challenger Tour main draw. He and compatriot Patrick Daciek lost to American Bjorn Fratangelo and Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 6-4 at the Binghamton Challenger a year ago.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Smith said of his match with Fritz, which is taking place on ‘College Night’ at the tournament. “Hopefully it will be an exciting match. Hopefully the fans will get into it.”

Smith also said he’s not above trying out his best Jimmy Connors or John McEnroe impression to jeer on the crowd. “I’ll try my best for sure,” he said, “but we have to just get out there and focus on the tennis before anything else.”

Fritz will be looking to carry over success in his personal life to his tennis career. The 18 year old married Raquel Pedraza on 7 July in Rancho Santa Fe, California. “Having the best team around me will ultimately make me the best player. Raquel is an important part of that team and I’m very lucky to have her by my side,” Fritz said earlier about his wedding.

Read More: Fritz Weds Raquel Pedraza In California

The #NextGen star returned to home soil two weeks ago at the Citi Open in Washington. The 6’4” right-hander swept Israeli Dudi Sela, No. 62 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, 6-3, 6-4. In the second round, Fritz fell to #NextGen counterpart Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-4, 6-2.

This week Fritz is one of 11 players making their Atlanta debut.

“I’m just looking forward to playing on hard courts in my home country and hopefully doing well,” he said.

This week also marks the first time Fritz has been seeded in an ATP World Tour event. He’s the eighth seed in a draw that features compatriot John Isner as the top seed, Aussie Nick Kyrgios as No. 2 and South African Kevin Anderson as the third seed.

“It’s a really strong field here so I’m excited to do my best,” Fritz said. “I’m liking it here a lot.”