Taylor Fritz recently shared how becoming a father at a young age has influenced his life. The American became a father in 2017 when he was just 19 years old, not long after he married his now-ex-wife, Raquel Pedraza.
Taylor Fritz Mentions Changes in Life After Becoming a Father
Recently, while speaking to The Guardian, Fritz reflected on his experiences as a father and the impact it has had on his life. The American stated that one of the most important lessons he has learned since becoming a parent is the art of time management.
“Yes, for sure. I had to learn how best to manage my time. At that age, you’re trying to become a better player and traveling – but I was trying to maximize the time I could spend with my son,” Fritz said.
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The former World No. 4 admitted that he cannot spend as much time with Jordan as he would like due to his demanding playing schedule. As a result, he often finds himself indulging and spoiling his son during their time together. Fritz mentioned that it starkly contrasts with the way his own father raised him.
“I can’t be there as much with my son. I’d love to be full time with him, and so, I’m softer and can’t help but spoil my son. My dad was the opposite,” he added.
“I Wouldn’t Be Where I Am if He Didn’t Push Me” – Taylor Fritz on His Relationship With His Father
Earlier this month, during an episode of the podcast Tennis Insider Club, hosted by Caroline Garcia and her fiancé, Borja Duran, Fritz revealed that his father, Guy, served as his coach until he turned professional at 18.
“Pretty much my whole life up until when I turned pro, when I was like, okay, basically about to turn 18. It was when I started doing my own thing. But pretty much up until then, my dad always coached me,” Fritz said.
The former World No. 4 stated that his father was strict as a coach and pushed him to train almost every day.
“He’s doing anything he can to like get me on the court and play, and when I look back at it, it wasn’t great for our relationship, but then I think he trusted that I’d be smart enough to know where I’m at now,” he continued.
Fritz mentioned that he now “appreciates” all the “tough love” his father showed him as it shaped him into the player he is today.
“I appreciate all of the tough love and the toughness ’cause he never wanted me to be soft, and it can go two ways. It can go into like, ‘God, I hate him so much, and this is awful.’ Or to where I can look back at it and see that I wouldn’t be where I am if he didn’t push me as hard as he did, and I’m thankful for that,” Fritz added.
On the tennis side, Fritz is currently competing at the Eastbourne Open, after which, he will participate in the Wimbledon Championships, which start on June 30, 2025.
Last year, at the grass court Major, the American defeated the likes of Christopher O’Connell, Arthur Rinderknech, Alejandro Tabilo, and Alexander Zverev before falling to Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals.
