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Taylor Fritz had a sluggish start today vs veteran Alex Kuznetsov. With Fish and Jay Berger in his corner Fritz was up 1-0 then blew a break point he had total control of by casually blasting an overhead but not expecting Kuznetsov to get it back but he did for a forehand winner. Fritz funked after that and was down 4-1 and lost the set 64. But then Fritz stepped into a new gear and routed Kuznetsov 63 62 with another display of his patented brilliant tennis blasting winners on the full run and just making a variety of shots that wows the crowd. Fritz is still in his coltish stage but you just know when this kid becomes a thoroughbred he will be something very very special. After the match as Fritz walked back to the locker room I attempted to do a Biofile but another reporter was walking with Fritz trying to coax him to do some feature about the young guns etc and Fritz didn’t seem very interested as I heard him say to a sharp- dressed agent type “Is this mandatory?” So Fritz is already picking his spots with the media. I believe Fritz is the biggest US prospect in terms of potential and hype as Agassi. This kid will be BIG. Tommy Paul dominated Dutra Silva for his spot into the main draw (where he will play Smyczek – Fritz plays Bolelli). Andrey Kuznetsov came by to watch three games of Paul. Obviously the established ATP players are hearing the big hype about the young American guns. Federer who plays De Potro in the second round (if Delpo beats Pella in first round) today hit with Dolgopolov on stadium with a giant crowd there watching. Fed was wearing his new emoji shirt and was dominating The Dog with stunning ease. Fed is playing superb tennis just weeks after his knee surgery. Jared Donaldson lost a three setter to Alejandro Gonzalez but later got into the main draw as a lucky loser and will face Nishioka. But Donaldson is struggling now. He couldn’t hurt Gonzo with anything really. Taylor Dent was there coaching JD and Brad Stine and Tom Gullikson were also there but Donaldson’s ranking hit a wall last year and dropped to the 170 range after losing the points in Hawaii. Sam Crawford needed three sets to dismiss 16 year old Katie Swan of England. Sam was coached by Nick Saviano today. The most dedicated player in the history of pro tennis the oft injured but ever resilient Brian Baker got into the draw via PR and will face Kukushkin first round. The Harrison Brothers were watching Zhuk lose to Shuai Zheng on court two… For photos of today’s action please go to my Facebook page or the Tennis Prose Facebook page….

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