Taylor Fritz passes Gilles Simon test to advance at the US Open

WHAT HAPPENED: The number one rule of playing Gilles Simon? Exercise patience. American Taylor Fritz did just that—and popped the fastest serve of the tournament at 141 mph—to earn his first victory over the two-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. He now advances to the third round of the US Open for the second time.

The first set seemed like it would be relatively straightforward (and surprisingly quick for a contest involving Simon). Fritz broke the Frenchman in the fourth game, and given the strength of his first serve percentage, looked like he would have no problem serving it out. But the American faltered and started to make errors as Simon continued to bait the No. 19 seed into the long baseline rallies that are a trademark of his playing style. Simon evened the contest, but serving at 5-6, Fritz took control with his assertive play and earned a break point. He then came out on top of a grueling 46-shot rally to convert and clinch the set.

In the second set and third sets, Fritz reduced his error count—and even showed off some creativity, lobbing Simon and breaking Simon in the third with a netcord winner. On his side of the net, Simon simply made too many errors. Fritz was able to break him early (and twice in the third), then steadily managed his own service games, ultimately finishing with 16 aces. The American has now leveled their head-to-head at one match apiece.

WHAT IT MEANS: Fritz is one bright spot on a tough day for the American men. He now faces either Canadian Denis Shapovalov or South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon. Shapovalov has won their only two matches in straight sets; Fritz has never played Kwon.

MATCH POINT: The second rule of playing Gilles Simon? Expect to play long rallies.

Taylor Fritz no doubt knew this going into the match, but maybe he didn’t know just how long. The good news is the points generally went his way, and at critical points. He won a 28-shot rally to earn a game point (after saving six break points) in the third game of the match; the aforemtioned 46-shot rally to break Simon and win the first set; and a 43-shot rally to save a break point in the second game of the second set.