Taylor Fritz secured a solid 6-3, 6-4 victory over David Goffin in the 2024 Shanghai Masters quarterfinal. The American is pursuing his third title of the season and his second on hard courts, having already won the Eastbourne International and Delray Beach Open earlier this year. With this win, Fritz advances to the semifinals, bringing his 2024 win-loss record to 52-19.
Fritz has been one of the most consistent performers on tour this year, reaching the US Open final and now becoming the second American in history to reach the Shanghai Open semifinals. The right-hander is looking for his second Masters Series 1000 title after earlier success in 2022 Indian Wells, where he beat Rafael Nadal in the final.
Match Overview: Fritz vs Goffin
Fritz’s serve was a major factor in his win over Goffin. He hit ten aces and committed no double faults, while the 33-year-old managed only three aces and committed one double fault. The World No.7 won 42 service points compared to the Rocourt native 34 and claimed nine service games to Goffin’s 6.
Overall, Fritz dominated key moments, winning 12 games to Goffin’s seven and accumulating 67 points to The Belgian 53. The former World No.5 was especially effective on his second serve, winning 70% of those points, compared to Goffin’s 38%. Fritz also converted 3 out of 7 break points, while the World No.66 converted just 1 out of 4. Additionally, Fritz’s return game was stronger, winning 25 receiving points compared to Goffin’s 19.
This victory marked Fritz’s second win against Goffin in 2024, having previously beaten him at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. The 26-year service consistency and ability to take advantage of his opponent’s second serve proved decisive in the match.
Semifinal matchup with Novak Djokovic
Taylor Fritz now is expected to face world No. 4 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. The Serb holds a dominant 9-0 head-to-head record against Fritz, with a 4-0 advantage on hard courts. Fritz will have a tough challenge ahead if he hopes to turn the tide against Djokovic, who has been nearly unbeatable in their previous encounters.
Fritz’s path to the semifinals in Shanghai has been steady. He defeated Terence Atmane 7-6, 7-6 in the round of 64, Yosuke Watanuki 6-3, 6-4 in the round of 32, and Holger Rune 6-1, 6-2 in the round of 16, before beating Goffin 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Despite these victories, Djokovic’s experience and consistency on hard courts make him the heavy favorite for their upcoming match.
Djokovic, who thrives on neutralizing big servers, will test every aspect of Fritz’s game. For the US Open finalist to have a chance, he’ll need to continue serving at a high level and take advantage of any opportunities to break Djokovic’s serve.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
