Jannik Sinner Advances to Acapulco Semifinals After Straight-Sets Victory Over Taylor Fritz

World number one Jannik Sinner continued his dominant start to the 2026 season with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals of the Mexican Open in Acapulco today. The Italian star needed just 78 minutes to dispatch the American challenger and advance to his third semifinal of the year, maintaining his perfect record since returning from the Australian Open.

Sinner's performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he broke Fritz's serve four times while never facing a break point on his own delivery. The 24-year-old Italian showcased the improved return game that helped him capture his second Australian Open title last month, repeatedly finding angles and depth that neutralized Fritz's powerful serve. "I felt very comfortable out there today," Sinner said in his post-match interview. "Taylor is always a tough opponent, especially on these faster courts, but I was able to dictate play from the baseline."

Fritz, ranked 12th in the world, struggled to find his rhythm against Sinner's relentless pressure and precise shot placement. The American managed just 15 winners compared to Sinner's 23, while committing 18 unforced errors in a match that never reached the competitive heights many had anticipated. Fritz's first serve percentage of 58% proved insufficient against an opponent who was converting nearly every opportunity into offensive positioning.

The victory sets up a semifinal showdown between Sinner and either Carlos Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas, with that quarterfinal match scheduled for later today. Sinner holds a 4-2 career record against Alcaraz and has won their last two encounters, including a straight-sets victory in the Australian Open semifinals. Against Tsitsipas, Sinner boasts a 3-1 advantage, though their most recent meeting was a three-set thriller at last year's ATP Finals.

Sinner's 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Italian compiling a 15-1 record that includes titles in Melbourne and Rotterdam. His lone loss came in a third-set tiebreak to Daniil Medvedev during the ATP Cup, but even that defeat showcased improved mental resilience as Sinner fought back from two sets down before ultimately falling short. The consistency and maturity he has displayed since working with coach Darren Cahill have elevated his game to new heights.

Acapulco's high altitude and quick playing conditions typically favor big servers and aggressive baseliners, making Sinner's controlled style even more impressive. Tournament director Raul Zurutuza noted that ticket sales for the semifinals have already sold out, with tennis fans eager to witness potential fireworks between the sport's young superstars. "Having the world number one playing at this level in our tournament is incredible for Mexican tennis," Zurutuza commented.

With the Indian Wells Masters just two weeks away, Sinner's form in Acapulco serves as an ominous warning to his rivals. The Italian has made no secret of his ambition to dominate the hardcourt swing, and performances like today's suggest he has the game and mindset to achieve that goal. As he prepares for tomorrow's semifinal, Sinner appears poised to add another title to what is already shaping up to be a memorable season.