Taylor Fritz faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in today's Wimbledon semi-final, with the world No 5 attributing his remarkable journey to this stage to girlfriend Morgan Riddle.
The social media influencer has been instrumental in Fritz's career resurgence, according to the American star.
"There's been a pretty constant results-and-ranking rise since we've been together," Fritz told the Associated Press following his quarterfinal victory over Karen Khachanov.
Fritz acknowledged Riddle's significant impact on his professional development: "I think I would have to say she's been a big help to me just kind of keeping me focused, having someone who cares and just pushes you to just do better and do the right things, be healthier."
Taylor Fritz faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in today's Wimbledon semi-final, with the world No 5 attributing his remarkable journey to this stage to girlfriend Morgan Riddle
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The American player revealed that his relationship with Riddle began during a particularly challenging period in his career four years ago.
Fritz had drafted a deeply self-critical note following a disappointing Wimbledon exit in 2021, which Riddle later shared on social media despite it being intended as private.
"I mean, at the time, I feel like my ranking was slipping," Fritz explained earlier this week.
"I was coming back from a surgery and I felt like I was just not playing to the level where I felt like I should be playing at."
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Morgan Riddle has played a big role in Taylor Fritz's rise to the top as the tennis star chases Wimbledon glory
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Riddle's influence extended beyond emotional support to practical lifestyle improvements.
"Almost like kind of just mother me in a way, with like, the diet and going to sleep on time," Fritz admitted.
"Yeah, that maybe wasn't the best choice of words."
The note Fritz wrote to himself contained a harsh self-assessment.
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"Nobody in the whole world is underachieving harder than you," he had written, as revealed in his post-quarterfinal interview.
Riddle had encouraged him to document his frustrations after that 2021 defeat.
"I was just ranting," the Wimbledon star admitted, explaining that Riddle had urged him to write down his thoughts whilst he was venting about the loss.
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The private reflection, never meant for public consumption, ultimately became a turning point in Fritz's career trajectory.
Since that low moment four years ago, the American has climbed to fifth in the ATP rankings, marking a significant transformation from the struggling player who penned those self-critical words.
Fritz's opponent today presents a formidable challenge. Alcaraz arrives as the two-time defending champion, having claimed victory in both the 2023 and 2024 finals against Novak Djokovic.
Taylor Fritz faces Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon today
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The Spanish player, currently ranked second by the ATP, seeks to secure an exceptional third consecutive title at the All England Club.
Such an achievement would cement his status amongst Wimbledon's modern greats.