The routine victory booked Fritz a showdown with red-hot Gael Monfils. The Frenchman, who came into the season’s first major with the Auckland trophy in hand, when eliminated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (3), for his seventh consecutive win.
“Gael first off is a great guy. I get along really well with him,” shared Fritz. “He’s been playing great, just won a title. Super happy for him. He’s always a fan favorite.”
The two have met just once, six years ago at this very event when the American came through a tight four-set encounter in the second round.
