Taylor Fritz vs Borna Coric Prediction United Cup Tennis Picks 12/31/24

Taylor Fritz looked dejected in the aftermath of his three-set loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime that put the USA on the brink of defeat in the tie at the 2025 United Cup.

After Coco Gauff gave the Americans a 1-0 lead, Fritz was on course to seal victory when he led Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 4-2, 30-15. But he dropped his serve twice in a span of a few minutes and ceded the set.

That disappointment lingered on the back of his mind as he got broken midway through the third set. Fritz had a high first-serve percentage of 72%, but converting only two of four break points proved to be his downfall.

The USA left it late and clinched the tie in mixed doubles as the clock ticked past midnight.

Borna Coric Preview

Croatia lost its opening tie in Group A of the United Cup to Canada. Borna Coric briefly restored hope and parity after downing Auger-Aliassime in three sets.

The match took 26 games to decide lasting over two hours. Coric fashioned an incredible comeback from 0-6, 2-4 down to win 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. 

In the victory, Coric recorded one ace and six double faults. He landed 49% of first serves and won 65% of first-serve points (26/40). H won 41% of second-serve points (17/41) and saved five of 10 break points.

Coric won 40% of return points (36/90) and converted four of 12 break points.

Taylor Fritz vs Borna Coric Head-To-Head

• Fritz and Coric have met four times on the ATP Tour.

• Remarkably, Coric leads their series 4-0, although they haven't played since the 2020 Vienna Open.

Taylor Fritz vs Borna Coric Prediction

It's another tie where the USA are huge favorites to win and top the group, but it is far from a done deal. Fritz's confidence has already been tested. And against good players, you simply cannot be profligate or take your eyes off the ball as was the case when he squandered that big lead against Auger-Aliassime.

Coric is another player who puts every ounce of energy into every point, with a reliably solid baseline game. The Croat will need to improve slightly on his first serve to be on par with the American. Getting Coric at +230 to win this rubber is too good to turn down given how Fritz is a little erratic when the pressure is at its highest.