Nitto ATP Finals: Fritz, de Minaur Advance to Semifinals with Upset Wins

Fritz Upsets Nadal

Taylor Fritz became the first American to reach the Nitto ATP Finals semifinals since 2009 when he upset world number one Rafael Nadal in a thrilling three-set battle on Friday. Fritz won 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, after saving a set point in the first set and breaking Nadal twice in the second.

"I'm just so happy to be through to the semifinals," said Fritz. "It's an incredible feeling to beat Rafa. He's such a great champion and I've always looked up to him. But today I was able to play my best tennis and come out on top."

de Minaur Stuns Medvedev

In the other quarterfinal, Alex de Minaur of Australia upset defending champion Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.

"It's an amazing feeling to beat Daniil," said de Minaur. "He's one of the best players in the world and I knew I would have to play my best to beat him. I'm so happy that I was able to do that today."

Fritz to Face Tsitsipas, de Minaur to Meet Ruud

Fritz will face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in one semifinal on Saturday, while de Minaur will take on Casper Ruud of Norway in the other. Tsitsipas advanced to the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Andrey Rublev earlier on Friday, while Ruud defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7-4), 6-4.

Conclusion

The Nitto ATP Finals semifinals promise to be two exciting matches. Fritz and de Minaur will be looking to continue their giant-killing runs, while Tsitsipas and Ruud will be aiming to reach the final and win the prestigious season-ending tournament.