After his brand-new victory on Sunday against Rafael Nadal in the Indian Wells final, American tennis player Taylor Fritz declared that he almost didn't jump on the court as his team asked him for an ankle injury.
Fritz, who was playing his first Masters 1000 final in his home state of California, suffered a sprained right ankle in Saturday's semifinal against Andrey Rublev.
A day later, the San Diego player had to abandon the pre-final warm-up and even thought about what explanation he would give to his fans.
“When I got on the court to warm up I made an attempt and literally yelled. I tried twice more. Both times I had the worst pain imaginable. I was almost crying because I thought I was going to have to retire,” he recalled in the press room.
Fritz, number 20 of the ATP, said that the work of his doctor and physiotherapist made him feel confident to compete in the greatest finale of his career, despite advice from his team, who feared that the injury would be aggravated.
“We did a lot of work on the ankle, I numbed it and stuff like that. I went out again after an hour of work. I started hitting the ball and realized that I could play,” he said.
“Many members of my team didn't want me to play. I will never let them forget it, because I entered the track and there was no problem, it didn't hinder me at all. I'm very lucky,” he said.
In addition to lifting the trophy, Fritz ended the 20-win streak in a row at the start of the season for Nadal, who played with chest pains.
“I know that Rafa was also dealing with some things. I can't imagine what someone's body must be like after 20 straight games, playing as much as he does,” Fritz said.
“Nadal is someone I've seen dominate, win everything. He and Roger (Federer). I didn't watch a ton of tennis growing up, but it's hard not to meet these guys, knowing that they are literally winning everything,” he said.
“It's crazy to even be on the same track with these people, let alone be able to beat one of them, win such an important tournament and do it here in Indian Wells. It's a combination of crazy things that I never thought possible,” he said.
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