Teen advances at ATP event

Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn.

Teenager Taylor Fritz beat Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the Memphis Open final, becoming the youngest American to reach a final since Michael Chang in 1989.

The 18-year-old Fritz, from Rancho Sante Fe, Calif., already had made a mark as the youngest American to reach an ATP semifinal since Chang won Wembley in 1989 at age 17.

Today, Fritz will play either three-time defending champ Kei Nishikori or 2010 Memphis champ Sam Querrey.

“It’s crazy what four tennis matches can achieve,” Fritz said.

This is just the third ATP Tour event for Fritz. He got to an ATP semifinal faster than Grand Slam winners like Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Chang who each reached their first semifinal in their fourth career ATP tournaments. Unlike Sampras, Courier or Chang, Fritz will play on and try to become the youngest American to win a title since Chang.

“That’s something that doesn’t happen very often,” Fritz said. “I’m really excited that I just got to this level and I’m proving myself on it quickly and ... just proving to myself that I belong here.”