“I think this year is the least amount of tennis I have ever played.” Taylor Fritz said last month ahead of his Madrid Open campaign, citing the situation of abdominal injury that forced him to compete less frequently. In events where Fritz played, he struggled with inconsistency. However, the World No.4 will look to make the most of his opportunity this week when he steps on the Roman clay. The American ATP star and 2024 US Open finalist will take on compatriot Marcos Giron in R64 on Saturday. So who’s going to advance to the next round of the Italian Open after this face-off? Let’s try to find out!
Taylor Fritz v Marcos Giron: Preview
Taylor Fritz’s 2025 season started on a decent note back in January. He reached the third round of the Australian Open before losing to the Frenchman Gael Monfils in an intense four-setter. Then in Dallas, he failed to create an impact after crashing out in R16 with a defeat against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. At the Delray Beach Open, Fritz managed to reach the QF stage, but he couldn’t move beyond that, losing to Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. At the Indian Wells, he crashed out in R16.
However, Fritz regained his rhythm at the Miami Open, reaching the semis. He couldn’t make it to the summit clash after a loss to eventual winner, 19-year-old Jakub Mensik who entered the final with a score line of 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(4). In Madrid though, Fritz failed to maintain the consistency. He was ousted in R16 against eventual winner Casper Ruud.
Aug 26, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Taylor Fritz (USA) celebrates after match point against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG)(not pictured) in a men’s singles match on day one of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of Fritz’s opponent Marcos Giron, his 2025 season has been average so far with few good appearances. Back in January, he managed to enter the R8 of the Adelaide International. Then at the Australian Open, too, he managed to reach the third round before losing against eventual winner and World No.1 Jannik Sinner. In Dallas and Mexico, Giron continued the solid form and reached the QF stages.
However, the 31-year-old has failed to maintain consistency in his last five ATP events. At the Indian Wells Masters, Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters, BMW Open, and Madrid Open, he crashed out in R16, R128, R32, R32, and R64. In the Italian Open this week, he began his campaign on a winning note against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, advancing to R64 with a score line of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Fritz v Giron: Head-to-Head
Taylor Fritz and Marcos Giron have met five times across ATP events in their careers. Currently, Fritz comfortably leads the h2h tally 4-1. When they faced each other the last time, it was during the 2024 Delray Beach Open. Fritz emerged as the winner back then.
2024 Delray Beach Open SF: Fritz 7-6(8), 6-2
2023 Geneva R16: Fritz 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
2023 Dallas Open QF: Fritz 7-6(7), 3-6, 6-3
2022 Dallas Open QF: Giron 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3)
2021 Miami Open R64: Fritz 6-2, 6-2
Prediction: Taylor Fritz to win in straight sets
Taylor Fritz has got a slight edge over his compatriot when it comes to win-loss record this season. The World No.4 has won 12 of his 18 matches so far with a win percentage of 66.66. On the other hand, Marcos Giron has won 13 of his 22 encounters.
But how have these two players fared in Italian Open in the past? Well, Fritz managed to reach the QF stage at the Italian Open last season. He eventually crashed out after losing to eventual winner Alexander Zverev. Speaking of Giron, he’s not been able to make a deep run in Rome. His best campaign came during his debut in 2022. He managed to reach the R16 before losing to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. In his previous two appearances (2023 and 2024), the American couldn’t move beyond R128 and R64.
But coming to their playing styles, Fritz is known for his offensive baseline gameplay using solid groundstrokes. Not to mention his impactful serve and effective forehand shots. His backhand is also very dominant that can put pressure on his opponents. To add to that, Fritz has got good court coverage, too, ensuring smooth adjustment between the baseline and the net.
Giron, on the other hand, has also got a solid baseline game. He’s physically very strong to survive long encounters using an aggressive approach. He also possesses a powerful forehand alongside a dependable two-handed backhand.
Considering the recent form of these two players and their overall ability, Taylor Fritz appears to be the favorite in Saturday’s face-off. He is expected to maintain his dominance over Giron with a straight-set win.
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