Taylor Fritz edges Tommy Paul to claim Delray Beach Open title

Tayor Fritz and Tommy Paul gave tennis fans a thriller on President's Day. The top two Americans battled in two sets with Fritz coming out the winner in the Delray Beach Open final. Paul has been on a hot streak, winning the Dallas Open just last week, and Fritz was the defending champion in Delray eager to hold on to his title.

Tommy Paul was agitated in the first set by a time penalty. That stuck with him a little too long, and he shanked some forehands in the process. Fritz won 6-2, but fans knew that Paul would fight back.

And he did. The pivotal game in the match was the seventh game of the second set. It was a 15 minute game on Fritz's serve with eight deuces. Paul had numerous break opportunities in that game but could not get it. It felt as though the winner of that game would take the momentum through the rest of the match. That is exactly how it turned out. Fritz broke Paul in the eighth game to go up 5-3. With new balls, he served his way to the win. The final score was 6-2, 6-3.

Little separated Fritz and Paul in Delray

Paul's inability to break Fritz's serve (he was 0 for 7 in the match) and inopportune forehand errors were the difference. To his credit, Fritz moved very well and came to the net to win points.

First serves were not as easy to come by for each player, whether it was the windy conditions or the desire to place it perfectly against the worthy opponent across the net.

Fritz wins his seventh career ATP title. He and Paul, both 26, are good friends who know each other's game very well. Both were complimentary of the other's game and team. Good sportsmanship and outstanding USA tennis were on display in Delray on President's Day.

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