“I’m very happy right now, I shouldn’t even be here, it’s just very good fortune this week,” said Adam Walton after making it to the 2025 Miami Open as a ‘lucky loser‘, but he has now reached the fourth round of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in his career. He’ll next play against America’s Taylor Fritz in the R16.
Although Fritz admitted that he doesn’t know much about his opponent, he’s still aware that Walton has a big serve. The American believes Walton has “nothing to lose” in this match, so he could possibly come out all guns blazing in this epic fourth-round clash. Can the Aussie really cause trouble for his Top 10 opponent in this match, though?
Taylor Fritz vs Adam Walton: Preview
Taylor Fritz had an outstanding season last year. He reached the finals of the US Open and the Nitto ATP Finals. This year, although he played a crucial role in helping Team USA clinch the United Cup title, Fritz hasn’t been at his best since that. His best performance this season came at the Delray Beach Open, where he reached the QF.
Fritz will be entering this match following his 7-5,6-3 win over Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in just 86 minutes in the previous round. Can the first Top-3 seeded American in Miami, since Andy Roddick, make it to the QF?
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 12, 2021 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. in action during his third round match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Kelly Defina
His opponent, Adam Walton, has been quite impressive at the Challenger level this year. He reached the SF of the Challenger Brisbane earlier this season and then went on to clinch the title at the Challenger Brisbane II. The 25-year-old Aussie is currently on a four-match winning streak in Miami. He defeated Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong in the R32 BY 7-6(6),4-6,6-4.
Fritz vs Walton: Head-to-Head
Taylor Fritz has never faced Adam Walton in his career before. So, currently, their head-to-head record is 0-0. Can Walton stop Fritz from securing an easy victory in the R16?
Prediction: Fritz will win this match in straight sets
Adam Walton has now become only the fourth lucky loser to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open. However, it might be difficult for him to carry forward his journey further in this tournament. Taylor Fritz (4) is the clear favorite in this match, and if we take a look at their numbers, the American has a win-loss record of 10-5 this season. On the other hand, it’s just 3-6 for Walton (83)!
Fritz is a really formidable opponent on the hard courts, and on top of that, the home support could also play a vital role for him against a relatively inexperienced campaigner.
Talking about their playing styles, Adam Walton is known for his powerful baseline game and strong defensive skills. He has strong groundstrokes and lethal serves in his arsenal. The Aussie has already hit 39 aces in his four matches in Miami! His incredible tenacity and never-say-die attitude are something that’s truly praiseworthy about this youngster.
On the other side, Taylor Fritz is an offensive baseliner known for his powerful groundstrokes, particularly his forehand and a strong serve, utilizing a nearly full-western grip on his forehand. Fritz also has a decent net game and court coverage ability. Other than that, he has the ability to hit sharp angles cross-court on both sides.
Fritz’s vast experience of playing at the top level may prove to be a little hot to handle for Walton! The prediction is for the World No. 4 to win the match in straight sets.
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