World no. 4 Taylor Fritz made an impressive start at the Australian Open. Lastyear's quarter-finalist toppled fellow American Jenson Brooksby 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 in an hour and 46 minutes. Thus, Fritz reached the second round in Melbourne for the seventh straight year.
The better-ranked American controlled the pace on serve and return at John Cain Arena. Brooksby played his first match in two years and struggled to follow the rival's numbers. Taylor defended both break points and mounted the pressure on the other side.
He landed 34 winners and 21 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and outplaying his compatriot. Brooksby struggled behind the second serve big time and faced seven break points. He got broken six times and ended his campaign in the first round.
Taylor forged a massive 56-27 advantage in the shortest points up to four strokes, bringing the victory home in that segment. The more experienced American served well in the first set and took charge in the second part.
Playing his first match in two years, Jenson delivered two fine holds at the beginning of the duel. However, Fritz stepped in on the return in game six and provided a break with a forehand winner. World no. 4 cemented the break with an ace in game seven.
The younger American served to stay in the set at 2-5 and struggled again. Fritz landed a deep return and caused the rival's mistake for another break and 6-2 in 28 minutes. Taylor was the only player on the court in the second set, playing well on serve and return and earning a bagel.
Jenson sprayed a backhand error in the second game to fall behind. He wasted a game point at 0-3 and hit a double fault to experience another break and send his rival further in front. Fritz hit a powerful backhand in the sixth game.
He produced his fifth consecutive break and forged a 6-2, 6-0 advantage in 55 minutes! Brooksby survived deuces in the fourth game of the third set and remained on the positive side. He netted a forehand two games later, losing serve and falling 4-2 behind.
Taylor missed game points in game seven and faced the first break point. World no. 4 saved it and held for 5-2. Jenson served to stay in the match in game eight and held after multiple deuces to extend the battle.
The younger American saved a match point at 3-5 after an incredible winner andearned a break chance with a forehand down the line return winner. World no. 4saved it with a forced error and converted the second match point with a smash winner to book a place in the second round.
