Early father, tennis in his blood, influencer girlfriend... What to know about Wimbledon semi-finalist Taylor Fritz
Fritz, who takes on Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the Wimbledon final, credits partner Morgan Riddle with his rise up the world rankings.
Taylor Fritz may be one of the most successful active players on grass - boasting a perfect 5-for-5 record in finals and a 55-29 career mark on the surface - but behind the stats lies a compelling personal journey.
Fritz, who faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon semi-finals today, became a father at just 20. The now 27-year-old welcomed son Jordan into the world with fellow tennis player Raquel Pedraza, whom he had married young.
The couple later divorced but agreed to share custody. Fritz has said that becoming a parent so early helped him mature quickly and focus on his responsibilities - though it may have delayed the American’s rise into the ATP’s top 20.
When did Fritz breach the world top 20?
That breakthrough came in 2022. Fritz made headlines by defeating an injured but red-hot Rafael Nadal - who was riding a 20-match win streak - in the final of the Indian Wells Masters 1000. Remarkably, Fritz played that match despite suffering a knee injury in the semi-finals.
He continued his upward trajectory in 2023, reaching his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he fell to Jannik Sinner.
Tennis runs deep in Fritz’s bloodline. His father, Guy, is a coach, and his mother, Kathy May, was a top-10 WTA player. Fritz picked up a racket at age two and grew up idolizing Juan Martín del Potro and Pete Sampras. On his 18th birthday, Sampras surprised him with a cake at the Monterrey Challenger - a moment Fritz still cherishes.
Fritz credits girlfriend for ranking rise
Off the court, Fritz is a fan of the video game FIFA (now EA Sports FC) and supports Manchester United. He’s currently in a relationship with influencer Morgan Riddle, who works with Wimbledon’s social media team and is a constant presence in his player’s box.
“There’s been a pretty constant results and ranking rise since we’ve been together,” Fritz said this week. “I think I would have to say she’s been a big help to me just kind of keeping me focused, having someone who cares and just pushes you to just do better and do the right things, be healthier. Almost like kind of just mother me in a way, with like, the diet and going to sleep on time.
“But just having someone to push you in the right direction all the time, supporting you, it helps a lot. There’s an obvious correlation between my results and ranking and the time we’ve been together.”
Fritz vs Alcaraz: when, where, how to watch in the U.S.?
In the semi-finals of the Wimbledon men’s singles tournament, Fritz and Alcaraz meet today, Friday July 11, with the action on Centre Court scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT.
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the match on ESPN, ESPN 2 and ABC. You can stream ESPN and ABC on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.
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