"He's extremely stubborn" - Taylor Fritz's coach Michael Russell reveals top American's tendencies as he relives "excruciating" Indian Wells title win

Taylor Fritz’s coach Michael Russell has shared some interesting facts about the American No. 1’s personality.

Russell, who is currently accompanying Fritz at the 2023 Miami Open, recently spilled on the 2022 Indian Wells champion’s stubborn nature in an interview with ATPTour.com.

He stated that, while the team was not on board, the eventual winner was adamant about contesting the final against Rafael Nadal in Tennis Paradise last year, despite dealing with “the most excruciating pain” due to his foot injury [Which was revealed in the third episode of the tennis documentary series Break Point].

“Playing the finals of Indian Wells when he couldn’t even walk - That was extremely stubborn because we all, just based on his feelings and what he was explaining to us, it was the most excruciating pain he’s ever felt in his life. We didn’t want him to have a career-ending injury not just for tennis, but for quality of life,” the former American tennis player and coach disclosed.

“He insisted on playing and obviously the rest we know what happened. He’s extremely stubborn on that front. A lot of times he’ll make decisions that he thinks are best, but usually the team goes along with it,” he added.

Michael Russell, however, defended this aspect of Taylor Fritz’s personality by suggesting that “every great player” possess such a trait. The coach further admitted that the 25-year-old is a respectful person and a good listener regardless.

“He’s very respectful and he listens. He’s very stubborn, which you expect every great player to be. But he does listen and he does absorb,” the American said.

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"I would love for Taylor Fritz to win a Grand Slam and be No. 1" – Coach Michael Russell

2023 Miami Open - Day 8

Taylor Fritz has had ample success in the past year. The 25-year-old, who had just one title to his name until 2022, now has five – with the latest being at the 2023 Delray Beach Open.

During the 2022 season, the American lifted three titles, including – Masters 1000 in Indian Wells, ATP 250 in Eastbourne and an ATP 500 in Tokyo. He additionally obtained his best result at a Grand Slam by making the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2022. However, one can’t help but note that the former World No. 5 has had a considerably lower success rate at Majors, which are best-of-five events.

Taylor Fritz’s coach Michael Russell stated that the team is working on this aspect of Fritz’s game as he declared that their goal is to see the American lift a Grand Slam trophy and reign as the World No. 1.

“I would love for Taylor to win a Grand Slam and be No. 1 in the world. That’s [the] main goal of course. I would love for him to have unlimited explosiveness and never get tired, ever,” he said in the same interview. “Then I think the other two goals of winning a Grand Slam [and reaching No. 1] would happen for sure. He’s been working hard.”

Taylor Fritz is currently through to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Miami Open with a victory over Holger Rune. The World No. 10 is gearing up for a meeting against defending champion and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz for a spot in the semifinals on Wednesday, March 29.