EASTBOURNE — Taylor Fritz solidified his dominance on the grass courts of Eastbourne, securing his fourth men’s singles title in six years with a commanding victory over fellow American Jenson Brooksby on Saturday. The 26-year-old, now a four-time champion at the ATP 250 event, showcased his trademark power and precision, winning 6-3, 6-4 in just over an hour.
Fritz’s triumph marks another milestone in his career, further establishing him as one of the most consistent performers on grass ahead of Wimbledon. "There’s something about Eastbourne," Fritz said post-match. "The courts suit my game, the crowd is amazing, and I always feel confident here. Winning four titles is something I’m really proud of."
A Dominant Run to the Title
Fritz entered the tournament as the top seed and lived up to expectations, dropping only one set throughout the week. His path to the final included victories over:
- Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic (6-3, 6-2)
- Britain’s wildcard Billy Harris (6-3, 6-4)
- Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in a hard-fought semifinal (6-3, 3-6, 6-3)
The final against Brooksby was a showcase of Fritz’s aggressive baseline play and improved net game. Brooksby, known for his defensive skills, struggled to handle Fritz’s serve, which fired 10 aces and won 85% of first-serve points. "I knew I had to take control early," Fritz said. "Jenson is a tough opponent, but I stuck to my game plan and executed well."
Eastbourne: A Grass-Court Haven
Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park has become a favorite stop for players transitioning from clay to grass. The tournament’s well-maintained courts and coastal conditions provide ideal preparation for Wimbledon. Fritz’s success here is no coincidence—his powerful serve and flat groundstrokes thrive on the fast surface.
Since his first title in 2019, Fritz has made Eastbourne a cornerstone of his season. His four titles (2019, 2021, 2023, 2024) place him among the tournament’s most successful players in the Open Era. Only two other men—John McEnroe and Feliciano López—have won four or more Eastbourne titles.
Key Stats from Fritz’s 2024 Campaign
- Serve dominance: Won 92% of service games
- Break points saved: 80% conversion rate
- Aces: 42 across four matches
Brooksby’s Resilience
Despite the loss, Brooksby’s run to the final was a positive sign in his comeback from a wrist injury that sidelined him for much of 2023. The 23-year-old defeated seeded players Max Purcell and Miomir Kecmanović en route to his first ATP final since 2022. "It’s been a long road back," Brooksby admitted. "But this week gave me confidence that I’m heading in the right direction."
Looking Ahead to Wimbledon
With Wimbledon starting on July 1, Fritz’s Eastbourne triumph positions him as a dark horse for the Championships. He reached the quarterfinals at SW19 in 2022 and will aim to surpass that result this year. "I feel great about my game," Fritz said. "Grass is my best surface, and I’m ready to make a deep run."
Brooksby, meanwhile, will hope to build on his momentum. Ranked outside the top 150 after his injury layoff, he received a wildcard into Wimbledon’s main draw. "I love playing on grass," he said. "I’ll take it one match at a time and see how far I can go."
Conclusion: Fritz’s Eastbourne Legacy
Taylor Fritz’s fourth Eastbourne title cements his status as the modern king of Devonshire Park. His consistency on grass, combined with his mental toughness, makes him a formidable opponent ahead of Wimbledon. As for Brooksby, his resurgence is a reminder of his potential. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Fritz—a player who has found a second home on the south coast of England.