Fritz banishes brain freeze to advance into ATP Toronto semis
The American claimed his place in a fifth semi-final of the season after losing served while trying to close out what had been looking like a quick win, finally coming through into the last four at this level for the first time after 83 minutes.
The Californian will wait for a Wednesday semi-final opponent as Ben Shelton takes on Alex de Minaur.
Fritz admitted he was struck by brain freeze as he served for victory leading a set and 5-4.
After saving three break points he put a return into the net for 5-all as Rublev held on.
"That game was so shaky for me, we had both been holding serve easily, everything felt calm and chill," he said.
"It came out of nowhere, the pressure of that game. It was tight and my brain just turned off.
"The only thing to do is to come back and try to win the set. That's what is able to make it all feel not as bad."
Fritz did just that, closing out the win 15 minutes later in the second-set tiebreaker with a serve winner.
Fritz struck a personal-best 20 aces (for three-set matches) among his 29 winners. He now stands 6-4 over Rublev.
The American has now won 19 of his last 22 matches including reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals. — AFP
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