The best American tennis player discusses style, competitiveness, confidence, and Texas hospitality ahead of the Dallas Open. Taylor Fritz has nearly always been the top seed in the expanding Dallas Open since its inception in 2022. However, he has a long history with Dallas dating back to his challenger event playing days as a pro. “Over the years, I’ve enjoyed visiting here. “It’s always been like this, the hospitality is incredible,” Fritz remarks.
We interviewed him about his work with Elena Rybakina, how he gets into the competitive mindset, his outsider’s viewpoint on Dallas, being the best basketball player on the tour (according to Frances Tiafoe), and the age-old dilemma of whether to play Tex-Mex or BBQ before his first Dallas Open match today.
Get a preview of the transcript below, and watch the video to hear the entire conversation:
Mike Marshall: I got to play [a game of] HORSE with Frances [Tiafoe] last year.
Taylor Fritz: Oh for sure you won. He’s awful.
Mike Marshall: I don’t even think he got a letter. But then I said, “Okay, tell me who I actually need to play against,” and he said, “Taylor, absolutely.” So we don’t have to play HORSE right now, but I want you to build your starting five of guys on the tour.
Taylor Fritz: OK Reilly. Not just because of the height. He’s actually very good. Kyrgios. He’s very good. I feel like people are going to get mad because I’m, like, excluding them, but I know Tommy’s good. I’d put myself in there as well. And then Thanasi’s pretty good. I’ll put Thanasi in there, too. But Frances, definitely not. That’s not his game.
FAQ: Taylor Fritz Ahead of the Dallas Open
Q1. Why does Taylor Fritz enjoy playing at the Dallas Open?
Taylor Fritz says he has always enjoyed visiting Dallas, even dating back to his Challenger-level playing days. He praises the city’s incredible hospitality and feels comfortable competing there, which adds to his confidence ahead of the tournament.
Q2. Has Taylor Fritz been a top seed at the Dallas Open?
Yes, since the Dallas Open launched in 2022, Fritz has almost always entered the tournament as the top seed, reflecting his status as the highest-ranked American men’s tennis player.
Q3. What did Taylor Fritz say about Texas hospitality?
Fritz highlighted that Dallas consistently offers incredible hospitality. He mentioned that over the years, his experience in Texas has always been welcoming and positive.
Q4. How does Taylor Fritz prepare mentally for competition?
Fritz focuses on building a strong competitive mindset before matches. Confidence plays a key role in his preparation, and he channels his natural competitiveness to stay sharp on court.
Q5. What is Taylor Fritz’s connection with Elena Rybakina?
In the interview, Fritz discussed his work with Elena Rybakina, offering insights into their professional dynamic and mutual respect as top-level competitors on the tour.
Q6. Is Taylor Fritz really the best basketball player on the ATP Tour?
According to Frances Tiafoe, yes! During the interview, Fritz was named as one of the best basketball players on tour. When asked to build a starting five from ATP players, he confidently included himself.
Q7. Which ATP players did Taylor Fritz include in his basketball starting five?
Fritz selected:
Reilly Opelka (for skill, not just height)
Nick Kyrgios
Tommy Paul
Thanasi Kokkinakis
Himself
He jokingly excluded Frances Tiafoe, saying basketball is “definitely not his game.”
Q8. What food dilemma did Taylor Fritz mention before his Dallas Open match?
Ahead of his first Dallas Open match, Fritz faced a classic Texas debate: whether to eat Tex-Mex or BBQ. While he prefers Tex-Mex, both options represent the strong local culture he enjoys in Dallas.
Q9. What makes Dallas a special stop on the ATP Tour for Fritz?
Beyond the competition, Fritz appreciates the city’s atmosphere, fan support, and consistent hospitality. His long-standing connection with Dallas makes it a meaningful tournament in his season.
