Fritz ends tiebreak slump at expense of Draper

Taylor Fritz battled win, rain and cold on Friday to move into the ATP Munich semi-finals for a second year in a row, snapping a tiebreaker loss streak 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (1) over Brit Jack Draper.

Fritz, the world No. 15, had lost his last eight deciding-set breakers as the second-round contest moved into the decider.

But Draper, seeded sixth to the third of his American opponent, was unable to inflict more damage on the American, as he lost in two and a quarter hours on the first of five match points.

Fritz, who fired 18 aces, was glad to escape into the last four in Bavaria.

“It was tough conditions today -, rainy, cold, windy, we had a little bit of hail also.

“But I fought through it: I wanted to win today and it showed.’

“I’m really excited to play another semi-final, I’ll come out and try to play good tennis.”

Draper twice had his opponent on the ropes 0-30 in the final set but failed to capitalise.

Fritz dominated the tiebreaker with ease, handing the Briton his third consecutive loss in a decider and winning 11 of the last 12 points.

The winner will be competing in his 28th ATP semi and will hop to win his seventh on clay after losing the first six.