Fritz vs Macháč set for a high-stakes US Open Round of 16 clash at Flushing Meadows
Flushing Meadows stages a marquee Round of 16 battle as Taylor Fritz, last year’s US Open finalist, faces Czech rising star Tomáš Macháč. Fritz arrives with momentum from a straight-sets first-round win over Emilio Nava and solid progress against Lloyd Harris and Jerome Kym, while Macháč has been flawless so far in New York, having yet to drop a set.
Macháč, 24, is coming off a breakthrough 2025 campaign that saw him claim his first ATP title at the Mexican Open in Acapulco and break into the Top 20 for the season. After some early heavy weather on hard courts post-Wimbledon with exits in Toronto and Cincinnati, he has found his footing in New York, winning nine consecutive sets to reach the Round of 16.
Match details
Date: August 31, 2025
Tournament: US Open
Round: Round of 16
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City
Surface: Outdoor hard
Telecast: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, along with Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling TV
Head-to-head
The pair have met twice on the tour, with Fritz up 2–0. Their first clash came at the 2020 French Open, a grueling five-setter won by Fritz. Their most recent meeting occurred in the United Cup semifinals in Australia on January 4, 2025, when Macháč won the opening set 7-6(4) but retired in the second set while Fritz led 6-5 due to cramps.
What to watch
– Fritz’s hard-court prowess vs Macháč’s serve and steady groundstrokes: Fritz has built a strong season on hard courts, and his aggressive baseline game paired with a reliable first serve could give him the edge in longer exchanges.
– Macháč’s serving power: In Acapulco’s final, Macháč flashed one of his best serving displays, winning 37 of 39 first-serve points (95%) in a tight win, and he also showed late-game clutch in the quarterfinal by converting several break points.
– Experience in big moments: Fritz’s experience in major moments and his comfort on big stages could prove decisive in a possible long match, especially if he lands his first serves and can dictate rallies.
Stats snapshot
– Fritz’s hard-court record this season stands out at 24–8, signaling top-tier performance on the surface. His first-serve points won sits around 77%, with service games won near 85%, highlighting his reliability under pressure.
– Macháč sports a 14–7 hard-court record this year and has demonstrated lethal serving when at his best, as shown in Acapulco where he was nearly flawless on serve at crucial moments. He converted 6 of 14 break points in the Acapulco quarterfinal and showcased his ability to seize momentum during key exchanges.
Prediction and outlook
With Fritz’s aggressive baseline game and strong serving under pressure, plus Macháč’s potent serve and recent momentum, this match has the makings of a competitive battle. Based on current form and head-to-head history, the forecast leans toward Fritz clinching the win in four sets, leveraging his experience in Grand Slam environments and consistency on hard courts.
Bottom line
This Round of 16 encounter promises a clash of styles: Fritz’s power and precision against Macháč’s serve-and-court control. If Macháč can sustain his serving accuracy and keep rallies short, he could threaten an upset; otherwise, Fritz’s mix of speed, depth, and service pressure should carry him through to another deep Slam run.