Taylor Fritz’s usually unshakable on-court demeanor didn’t translate quite as effectively to the poker table, where his trademark calm met its match in an unexpected setting. In his first public appearance of the 2025 off-season, the American tennis star bowed out early at the annual Celebrity Poker Championships. Although his run in the event ended swiftly, he still managed to generate a viral moment: a perfectly timed snapshot of his impenetrable poker face that circulated rapidly among fans online.
Spectators with a keen eye spotted Fritz seated at a table flanked by fellow high-profile athletes, including Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler. Also sharing the stage was Olympic legend Michael Phelps, whose competitive instincts seem to follow him far beyond the pool. The trio’s presence created a stir on social media, with fans amused by the unlikely mix of athletes locked into the intense stillness required by the game. For Fritz, the event may have been more than just a lighthearted offseason distraction—it arrived at the tail end of a challenging conclusion to his tennis year.
The American had wrapped up his 2024 season on a difficult note, failing to advance out of the round-robin stage at the Nitto ATP Finals. Losses to Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur sealed his fate, with de Minaur’s straight-sets victory proving decisive in eliminating Fritz—who had been a finalist at the event just one year earlier—from semifinal contention. After the defeat to de Minaur, Fritz spoke candidly about the toll the season had taken and the relief he felt at finally having a meaningful break on the horizon.
“I’m going to have a little bit of time off,” he said following the de Minaur match. “I’m really excited. This is the first off-season I’m going to have in probably three or four years that’s three weeks or more than three weeks,” he added with a weary smile. He emphasized that his primary goal was not immediate improvement on the court but rather true recovery. “I’m hoping that instead of playing catch-up with injuries in my body, this time around I can actually get healthy and be able to train.”
That desire for rest was well earned, considering how demanding his autumn stretch had been. Fritz played an integral role in guiding Team World to a surprise victory over Team Europe, a highlight in a busy sequence of tournaments. He also reached the final at the ATP event in Tokyo—his third championship match of the season—where he once again ran into Alcaraz, who ultimately claimed the title. These deep runs underscored Fritz’s ability to compete with the best, but they also reinforced the challenge of breaking through against the top tier of men’s tennis.
“If you want to win a big title, more than likely you’re going to have to beat one of them, maybe both of them,” Fritz said, referring to Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Sinner would later defend his ATP Finals crown by defeating Alcaraz in the championship match, further solidifying the duo as the standard-bearers of the sport’s current generation. Fritz acknowledged that bridging the gap would require both improved health and substantial practice time. “That’s what my focus is on—getting healthy so I can put in the time on the court to practice and improve, to work on the things I need to work on, and to keep trying to close the gap.”
Once his well-earned break concludes, Fritz will turn his attention to the rapidly approaching 2026 season. His first scheduled appearance will come at the United Cup in Perth, where he will team up with Coco Gauff for Team USA. The pair hopes not only to defend their title but also to recapture the momentum and confidence that carried them through previous successes. With rest, renewed energy, and a fresh competitive slate ahead, Fritz will aim to start the new season with a winning hand—whether on the court or at the poker table.
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