Delray Beach Open: Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul face off in final

Get ready for a heated battle in the Sunshine State. Taylor Fritz will be defending his title against Tommy Paul in today's final at the Delray Beach Open. The two also happen to have homes in Florida — Taylor in Miami and Tommy in Boca Raton. 

Fritz won his semifinal match against Marcus Giron 7-6(8), 6-2, but there were some speed bumps along the way. 

"I was playing well in the first but missed some chances later in the set, although he played the big points well,” Fritz said. “I tried to not let that bother me and I came back and kept playing well and didn't get frustrated."

Above: Taylor Fritz earlier in the week at the waterdrop® booth signing autographs for DBO fans. Photo: Juarez Santos / Delray Beach Open.

Paul had a much easier time against Frances Tiafoe in a decisive 6-2, 6-2 semifinal win earning his seventh victory in 11 days. 

“I feel like I came out playing really well from the jump and I was able to maintain my level throughout the whole match,” said Paul. “That’s obviously super difficult with a guy as talented as Frances is. He can change the match so quickly, so that was the goal, to keep my momentum going throughout the whole match and I think I did a pretty good job.”

"I think I played my best match in two years," added Paul as he described his win which took just 61 minutes. He continues to ride last week's momentum where he finished as champion of the Dallas Open. 

Above: Tommy Paul looks happy and relaxed as he continues his winning streak at the DBO this week. Photo: Juarez Santos / Delray Beach Open.

Will Paul's winning ways continue in the DBO final today?

Head-to-head, the two Americans are dead even at 2-2 on the ATP Tour with Paul winning their last thrilling bout in Acapulco 6-3, 6-7(2), 7-6(2). In their younger years, Paul is slightly ahead at 2-1 during their showdowns in ATP qualifiers, challengers, and futures events.

That said, Fritz currently has the higher ATP ranking at no. 9 while Paul lags behind at no. 14. Judging by their performances in the DBO semis, Paul might have an edge due to his long-time experience with Florida tennis and elite physical condition.

Either way, expect this Florida final to bring the heat.

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Written by Florida Tennis' Executive Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Top photos: Adam Ross / Florida Tennis.