Under the radar: Taylor Fritz needs just 68 minutes to move into fourth round of BNP Paribas Open

With the return of Novak Djokovic and the title defense of Carlos Alcaraz as the main headlines for the men's draw at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the 2022 champion has gone a little under the radar.

But American Taylor Fritz, the No. 12 seed, has played as well as anyone so far in this event. He took just 68 minutes to dispatch No. 19 seed Sebastian Baez of Argentina 6-2, 6-2 on Monday on the Stadium 2 court, moving into the fourth round without dropping a set.

Fritz, who recently dropped out of the top 10 in the world rankings, has been particularly sharp with his serve so far at this event. He had nine aces in his win against Baez and won 88% of the points when his first serve went in.

Fritz said he's feeling comfortable on the court, playing in rhythm and without having to think too much.

"I'm playing a consistent level of tennis, not getting too nervy and second-guess the things you want to do," he said. "I play my best tennis when I'm not second-guessing any of the decisions I make on the court. I just see the ball and instantly know what I want to do with it."

Next up will be his toughest task of the tournament so far, a matchup with No. 9 Holger Rune. Rune has only played one match at this event after receiving a walkover into the third round. On Monday, he beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 7-6.

Fritz won his only meeting against Rune last year in Miami, and even though the Dane is a power-packed player, Fritz is just going to stick with his strengths.

"One thing that never changes is just the serve," Fritz said. "I'm always going to be serving for free points and for aces. I hope to continue that. He's going to have a lot of power and plays aggressive. I've got to not let him dictate me around the court."

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: BNP Paribas Open: Taylor Fritz sharp as he cruises into fourth round