World no. 4 Taylor Fritz is through to his sixth Masters 1000 semi-final. Taylor achieved his best result in Miami following a thrilling 7-5, 6-7, 7-5 quarter-final victory over Matteo Berrettini in two hours and 44 minutes.
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Fritz had not been playing well in Miami ahead of this year's campaign, embracing a mediocre 9-8 score. The American is enjoying a great run in Florida this year, arranging the semi-final clash with the young Czech, Jakub Mensik.
Taylor claimed 11 points more than Matteo despite a tight encounter. World no. 4 produced more reliable numbers behind the second serve and defended four of five break points. Berrettini played against 11 break points and gave serve away two times.
The Italian fell in the closing stages of sets one and three, ending his campaign in the last eight despite saving six match points in the second set! It was a high-quality battle, with Fritz hitting 38 winners and 25 unforced errors. Matteo finished the duel on a 41-35 ratio.
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The Italian built a 47-38 advantage in service winners. However, the American took charge from the baseline and took 21 points more than his opponent. Interestingly, the encounter kicked off with back-to-back breaks.
Taylor denied two break points in the fifth game, and Matteo defended one with an ace in the next one to level the score at 3-3. The home playerserved well by the end of the set and stepped in on the return at 6-5. Berrettini missed a forehand and faced two set points.
The Italian netted a backhand on the second, dropping serve and allowing his rival to claim the opener 7-5 in 48 minutes. They served well in the opening 11 games of the second set. Berrettini served to stay in the match at 5-6 and netted a routine volley to offer his rival two match points.
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Taylor missed his chances and allowed his rival to reach a tie break. The American stayed composed and created four match points in the tie break. Fritz landed a forehand winner for 6-3. He missed a backhand on the first, and Berrettini denied the next two with fine hitting.
Matteo saved the sixth match point with a service winner at 6-7 and seized a set point with a forced error, surviving and introducing a decider after an hour and 50 minutes. The Italian saved a break point in the fifth game of the final set to remain in contention.
Taylor served to stay in the match at 4-5 and landed a forehand winner for more drama. Berrettini squandered a game point in game 11 and faced three break points. The American seized the last with a forced error, moving 6-5 in front and serving for the win.
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Matteo sprayed a forehand error at 30-30 and faced a match point. World no. 4seized it with a forced error, moving over the top and reaching his first Miami Open semi-final.
