Taylor Fritz defeats Daniil Medvedev to reach Nitto ATP Finals semifinals

American qualifier Taylor Fritz stunned top seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals on Friday.

Fritz, who is making his debut at the season-ending event, played a near-flawless match to beat the world no. 3 for the first time in his career.

The American broke Medvedev's serve twice in the second set and saved all three break points he faced to seal the victory in 90 minutes.

Fritz will face either Rafael Nadal or Casper Ruud in the semifinals on Saturday.

Medvedev was bidding to reach the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals for the fourth consecutive year.

The Russian won the title in 2020 and was runner-up to Alexander Zverev last year.

Fritz is the first American to reach the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals since John Isner in 2018.

The 25-year-old is also the first qualifier to reach the last four at the season-ending event since David Nalbandian in 2005.

Fritz's victory over Medvedev is one of the biggest wins of his career.

The American has now beaten three top-10 players this week, including world no. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas and world no. 5 Andrey Rublev.

Fritz is playing with confidence and has a chance to win his first ATP Finals title this weekend.

The American will need to continue playing at a high level, but he has shown that he has the game to compete with the best players in the world.

Fritz's victory is a good sign for American tennis.

The United States has not had a male player win a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Fritz is one of a number of young American players who are emerging as potential contenders for Grand Slam titles in the future.

The American has the talent and the game to be a top-10 player and he could be a major force in tennis for many years to come.