Fritz blasted Czech Republic’s Vit Kopriva with 15 aces to win 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4) on Thursday. While the No. 9 seed was disappointed not to finish the clash at the first time of asking, he was pleased with his first straight-set win of the season and the condition of his knee heading into the weekend.
“I came away playing really well. Definitely the start to the match I was looking for. Felt very calm and in control,” he told the press.
“I felt like I was playing aggressively at the right time. When I didn’t have a chance, I was really solid, not giving any free points. Just a very good level.
“I would say my knee has been feeling really good the last few days.”
Wawrinka, for his part, survived another marathon event by defeating qualifier Arthur Gea in four hours and 34 minutes.
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