Taylor Fritz is set to return to action at the Dallas Open this week, marking his first appearance since the Australian Open.

The American went out in straight sets to Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round of Melbourne Park’s opening Grand Slam event.

He comes into Dallas as the top seed, with fellow Americans Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe also featured in the field.

Injuries were a major concern for Fritz during his time down under. A knee issue has been an ongoing problem since last October, and he also dealt with pain in his oblique muscles during the tournament.

Feeling much better now, the world number seven is aiming for his 11th career title in the Lone Star State.

Taylor Fritz shares encouraging injury news after Australian Open exit

Speaking to Tennis TV, Fritz explained: “In Australia, the oblique was bothering me, and I feel like I’m pretty much completely over that.

“I’m hoping it doesn’t come up again this week, but I felt really confident after, you know, taking like a week after Melbourne this last week in practice coming back. I felt really confident with that.

“Like it’s completely gone, totally healed, and the scans that I got in Melbourne also showed that it was never anything too serious, but I was feeling it. So now it’s good that I have the scans that show that it’s good. And then just off of my feeling as well. I’m not feeling it so good there.

“And then you know the knee kind of just is what it is. I’ve said a lot of times. It’s just gonna take time to get it better.

“Just me doing all my rehab; it’s not an injury that gets better when you rest it. So I’ve just got to keep working on it.”

“And as my physio, who I trust really well says,” he added. “I should be able to play through in the meantime, so I’d rather play through and get it better than not play and do the same thing and get it better.”

Taylor Fritz’s path to the fourth round at Melbourne Park

Fritz beat French qualifier Valentin Royer in four sets before seeing off Czech Vit Kopriva in straight sets in round two.

The American star then defeated Stan Wawrinka in what would be the Swiss’ last ever appearance at the Australian Open before retirement at season’s end.

Musetti defeated Fritz in the fourth round with scores of 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. He then came within a set of defeating Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals but was ultimately forced to retire from the match due to an injury.

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