Carlos Alcaraz vs. Taylor Fritz
Any neutral fans out there will be hoping that the Cup comes down to this final Sunday matchup—Europe’s best versus World’s best. The fact that they’ve only played once, back in the spring of 2023, will make it all the more intriguing.
Alcaraz beat Fritz in Miami in 2023 in routine fashion, 6-4, 6-2. A lot had happened since then, and both of these guys are much improved. Alcaraz has won three majors, while Fritz just reached his first Grand Slam final.
The Spaniard will be the favorite. He should like the slower surface more than Fritz. He usually—not always, but usually—finds his best tennis in crunch-time moments like this. Most important, he’s the stronger, faster, more complete player.
But there are caveats. This would be Fritz’s first match of the day, while Alcaraz will have already played a doubles match. And Fritz has evolved into a player who isn’t easily rattled or disrupted, against any opponent or on any stage. If Alcaraz goes off the boil, as he often does, Fritz is someone who has the shots and the belief to take advantage of it. Winner: Alcaraz
