Taylor Fritz: No. 1 seed knocked out of Easbourne by Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets

No. 1 seed Taylor Fritz has been knocked out of the Eastbourne International by Mackenzie McDonald 7-6(3) 7-6(8). Fritz, who had a bye to play in the second round, was unable to play his best tennis against his compatriot as McDonald went on to win a tight contest in two hours and 17 minutes.

Ad «A really big win for me,» McDonald said after the match. Roland-Garros'I'd be crying' — Fritz gets booed again — this time before match even begins03/06/2023 AT 15:51 «Taylor is a close friend. It's always tough playing one of your close friends.

»It was a battle out there. I'm happy with how I competed and I thought I put on a good show today so it was really fun." The world No. 64 will play Mikael Ymer in the next round after he beat Great Britain's Liam Broady 6-2 6-4.

Fritz looked to be in complete control of the first set after surging into a 4-1 lead, but McDonald came fighting back and levelled the scores when Fritz was serving for the set. Exclusive: Murray can 'upset people' at Wimbledon — Wilander Is Murray seeded at Wimbledon and who are the No. 1 seeds at SW19 this year? The Americans then fought to a tie-break and it was then McDonald took a lead for the first time in the match.

He raced into a 5-1 lead before going on to seal the opener with an unreturnable serve. Fritz did not allow McDonald to let the momentum swing in his favour as the No. 1 seed went a break up in the opening game thanks to a mishit forehand from his opponent.

McDonald squandered five break points in the set. But at 4-3, McDonald was able to break back to level the score. Fritz tried his best to restore his break advantage, but instead he had to fend off two match points from McDonald before he forced the tie-break.