Taylor Fritz: America's new golden boy with a bright future ahead

History was written on Sunday (March 20) as Taylor Fritz became the first American in 21 years to win the Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 as he dispatched former World No.1, Rafael Nadal, in straight sets. 

The 6-3, 7-5 win over the defending Australian Open champion also saw him bring to an end Nadal's unbeaten run in 2022, which lasted 20-0 before Fritz ran flamboyant in the final. But what next for the young rising star?

Breakthrough in 2015

Seeded No.1 in boy's single, Taylor Fritz was tipped to be a future star for his country. Indeed not since the days of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, America hoped for a major tennis star. 

James Blake, John Isner, Mardy Fish all made the cut in the men's division, but ultimately fell short, but Frtiz produced a marvellous display in 2015 US Open boys singles to win the tournament. 

Stefanos Tsistipas, Denis Shapovalov were also part of the same tournament alongside Fritz. He also ended up as runners-up in the French Open Boys singles competition in 2015.

Grandslam title remains a dream

It's been more than 18 years since an American last won a Grandslam title in the men's singles category, so the weight of expectations remains high for the 24-year-old Fritz. 

Andy Roddick's US Open triumph in 2003 remains the last major achievement for America in the men’s singles category. 

Indeed, if the rising star can manage to pull off a Grandslam win, he may well be regarded as one of the finest as the 'Big Three' of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal are counting their final days.

Journey so far

Fritz has so far managed to reach the finals of seven ATP tour events, which includes five ATP 250 events, alongside one ATP 500 and his triumph over Nadal remains his only ATP 1000 final. 

The win that brought to an end Nadal's unprecedented run on Sunday was just his second tournament win after he had won Eastbourne International (ATP 250) in June 2019. He also reached two doubles finals on tour but ended up as runners-up on both occasions.

It now remains to be seen, how the youngster builds from here on as he now has the wind in his sails to go and achieve big things in the future.