Taylor Fritz wins 2023 Atlanta Open title as US Open Series heats up

Taylor Fritz is back with a bang on the American hard courts for the US Open Series. The world No. 9 claimed his second ATP Tour title of 2023 on Sunday at the Atlanta Open, with both trophies coming on home soil.

Champion in Delray Beach in March, Fritz defeated Aussie Aleksandar Vukic to triumph again in the U.S. at the Atlanta ATP 250.

In a 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4 victory, Fritz missed out on two match points on return at 6-5 in the second set but regrouped to defeat the former University of Illinois star, who was playing in his first tour-level final.

"I just felt so at home and welcomed in Atlanta this week," the American said after claiming his sixth ATP title.

"I've been coming back here for so many years, so I'm happy to finally get the title. All week, the support was amazing. I'm not from Atlanta, but it felt like I was because the support was just crazy all week long and it felt great."

After Vukic hit top form to take the second set tiebreak, Fritz stayed even in the third set with typically strong serving and earned the decisive break with brilliant defending to lead 4-3. After escaping 30-all in the ensuing game, he powered through a love hold to seal the victory.

Lammons/Withrow complete American title sweep

Nathaniel Lammons and Jackson Withrow made sure that Fritz's triumph would not be the extent of the home success Sunday in Atlanta. The all-American duo closed out play in the Georgia capital with a 7-6(3), 7-6(4) victory against Aussies Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in the men's doubles final. 

"[It was] really special. Jackson and I love coming home and playing here in the States," Lammons said.

It marked a second straight title for the Americans, who began the US Open Series by lifting the Newport trophy last week. Their winning streak is now up to eight matches, beginning after a run to the Wimbledon quarterfinals. They have reached at least the quarters in each of their past six ATP Tour events.

"For us, it's just about trusting our stuff, playing aggressive," Lammons said of their recent success. "It's nice to rattle off some wins and show that we can compete with the best teams in the world."