Fresh Fritz finds Wimbledon grind the perfect medicine for ailing body

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Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 4, 2025 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in action during his third round match against Spains Alejandro Davidovich Fokina REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

LONDON - More than nine hours on court across 14 gruelling sets has proved just the tonic for Taylor Fritzs creaky joints, with the world number five declaring himself fresher than ever after reaching Wimbledons fourth round on Friday.

The American was taken the distance in his opening two matches before defeating Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-4 6-3 6-7(5) 6-1 on Centre Court, extending his stay at the All England Club.

Having begun the tournament nursing tendinitis in his knee along with other fitness concerns, the 27-year-old Fritz may have wanted to sail serenely through the opening rounds in the shortest time possible.

Yet it turns out that being put through the Grand Slam grinder has worked wonders for his body.

Yeah, the body. I mean, I think it was weird. The first day of my first match my knee was kind of bugging me, Fritz explained.

Ive had tendinitis Ive been dealing with. Its kind of flared up the whole grasscourt season, I think just because youre taking a lot of extra stutter steps and stuff. Its a little tougher on it. I was feeling that a bit. Its actually now gotten better. Is completely gone.

One battle scar refusing to heal, however, is a