Defending champion Taylor Fritz starts Japan Open defence with win

TOKYO: Defending champion Taylor Fritz won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday and said he felt “motivated and ready to play” after lightening his load ahead of the tournament.

The American has been one of the busiest players on the ATP Tour this season but he has taken his foot off the gas since the US Open, appearing in only the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters.

He beat Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3 to kick off the defence of his Tokyo title and said it was “probably an advantage that I might be less burnt-out”.

Fritz was joined in the next round by American Ben Shelton, who beat Japan’s Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2).

Australia’s number four seed Alex de Minaur also progressed with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) win over Britain’s Jack Draper.

Australia’s Alexei Popyrin eliminated Russian number seven seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2. Agencies.

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