As an avid tennis fan, you’ve likely heard the name Taylor Fritz – the young American tennis prodigy with the booming forehand. But did you know Fritz became a father back in 2017 at just 19 years old?
Fritz’s son Jordan was born in January 2017. And in the years since, Fritz seems to have found great motivation in being both a professional tennis player on the rise AND a dedicated dad.
It made me wonder – will Jordan follow in his father‘s footsteps one day and become a tennis star himself? From a fan’s perspective, I wanted to dig deeper into the Fritz family to understand Taylor’s journey into fatherhood and young Jordan’s upbringing.
In this 2800+ word guide, we’ll explore:
- A summary of who Jordan Fritz is
- Insights into Jordan’s early life and interests
- How becoming a teenage father changed Taylor’s outlook
- Taylor’s relationship with Jordan’s mom Raquel Pedraza
- How Taylor balances his tennis career and family
- Perspectives from Taylor’s proud tennis mom, Kathy May
- Taylor‘s family background and tennis upbringing
- Taylor‘s current relationship status
- Whether Jordan may pursue tennis someday
Let’s dive in!
Meet Jordan Fritz – A Summary of Taylor‘s Son
First, let’s get to know the adorable Jordan Fritz. Here are the key facts:
- Full Name: Jordan Fritz
- Date of Birth: January 2017
- Age: 6 years old (as of 2024)
- Parents: Dad Taylor Fritz and mom Raquel Pedraza
Jordan came into the world when his father Taylor was just 19 years old. Taylor was married to Raquel Pedraza at the time, his high school sweetheart.
For perspective, when Jordan was born:
- Taylor Fritz was ranked #53 in the world
- He had yet to win his first ATP title
- Fritz was coming off a 3rd round appearance at the 2016 US Open
So Jordan’s birth came just as Taylor was taking his first steps into the elite level of professional men’s tennis.
Early Glimpses into Jordan Fritz‘s Life
Even at his young age, Jordan already shows a passion for sports. He especially enjoys tennis and soccer from what his parents share on social media.
With both his mom and dad coming from tennis backgrounds themselves, it seems Jordan may have inherited some natural athletic abilities.
Jordan’s mom Raquel Pedraza was once a professional tennis player, even competing against Taylor’s own mother back in the day.
So with two tennis-invested parents, Jordan is growing up fully immersed in the sport. He frequently appears in the player’s boxes at Taylor’s matches wearing adorable kid-sized tennis shirts.
It’s clear Jordan’s parents want to nurture any interest he shows in pursuing tennis. But of course, as a 6-year-old, his interests are still evolving. Maybe he’ll also develop passions for soccer, video games, or any number of activities as he grows.
Either way, I think we can expect Jordan’s athletic genes to shine through in some endeavor based on his family background.
A Glimpse into Jordan Fritz‘s Tennis Future?
As a tennis super fan, I would be thrilled to see Jordan eventually follow his parents‘ footsteps into professional tennis.
If Jordan chooses tennis, he would have an experienced support system around him. With Taylor Fritz currently ranked #9 in the world, Jordan could learn firsthand what it takes to succeed on the ATP Tour.
The Fritz family athletic pedigree also bodes well if Jordan wants to pursue sports. Here is a summary:
Dad Taylor Fritz: Currently world #9, 5 ATP titles, career-high ranking of #7
Mom Raquel Pedraza: Former pro tennis player from Mexico, competed against Taylor‘s mom Kathy May back in the 1980s
Grandma Kathy May: Played professionally from 1973-1983, reached US Open quarterfinals in 1977
Uncle Cole Fritz: ATP Tour professional tennis player, younger half-brother to Taylor
So Jordan would have no shortage of guidance to develop his skills if he follows the Fritz family tennis tradition!
How Fatherhood Changed 19-Year-Old Taylor Fritz
Let’s rewind to when Taylor first found out he would become a dad at just 19.
In interviews over the years, Fritz has spoken candidly about his mindset when he learned he was going to be a father. It‘s clear Jordan‘s arrival marked a profound shift in perspective for the young athlete.
Up until that point, Taylor was focused solely on his rising career in tennis. But Jordan‘s impending birth gave him a sobering sense of maturity and responsibility.
No longer was Fritz just living out his own tennis dreams. He now had a son to provide for.
Becoming a parent so young taught Fritz important lessons that still influence him today. He credits Jordan for helping him:
Find motivation: Being a dad gives Fritz tangible motivation to keep succeeding at tennis to provide for his family.
Mature quickly: Having to care for a child meant Fritz had to demonstrate maturity far beyond his 19 years.
Manage time wisely: Fritz has a limited time at home between tournaments, so he learned to maximize quality time with his son.
Sharpen his focus: When he is on the court, Fritz has to eliminate distractions and lock in on tennis with improved focus.
So clearly Jordan‘s arrival really catalyzed growth in Fritz as both an athlete and a person.
I find it inspiring how positively Fritz embraced becoming a teenage father. He seems to recognize it as a privilege rather than a setback. And Jordan remains Fritz‘s pride and joy while also pushing him to new heights professionally.
Taylor Fritz By the Numbers: His Career Since Becoming a Dad
To appreciate Taylor Fritz‘s development over the six years since Jordan was born, check out these key stats:
| Taylor Fritz Career Stats | 2017 (Year Jordan was born) | 2023 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| ATP Ranking | #53 | #9 (Career-high #7) |
| ATP Titles | 0 | 5 |
| Grand Slam Results | Never advanced beyond 3rd round | Reached 4th round of every major |
| Prize Money Earned | $1.3 million | $10.5 million |
The numbers speak for themselves! Since Jordan came along in 2017, Fritz has:
- Jumped 44 spots to a career-high ranking inside the Top 10
- Claimed 5 ATP titles after previously having none
- Reached the second week of every Grand Slam after never before advancing past round 3
- Grown his career prize money eight-fold from $1.3 million to over $10 million
Fritz has undoubtedly leveled up his game over the past six years. And it‘s clear that becoming a dad has given him motivational fuel to keep improving.
Jordan‘s arrival marked a turning point for Fritz to get serious about realizing his potential. The stats prove fatherhood has brought out the best in Fritz‘s tennis abilities.
Behind Taylor and Raquel Pedraza’s Relationship and Co-Parenting
Taylor Fritz and Raquel Pedraza’s romance traces back to their high school days. The pair got engaged in June 2016 shortly before Jordan’s birth in early 2017.
So Jordan arrived during a period of love and commitment between Taylor and Raquel. For two years after their son was born, the couple maintained a united front as they adjusted to the demands of parenting.
But some relationships formed at a young age run their course. By 2019, Fritz and Pedraza made the difficult choice to end their marriage.
Still, their split has not defined their ability to co-parent Jordan. Despite the divorce, Fritz and Pedraza remain fully committed to raising their son together in a healthy, cooperative environment.
That’s why you’ll often see Pedraza right alongside the Fritz family at tournaments cheering Jordan on.
Fritz and Pedraza also coordinate Jordan’s schedule so he can bond with both parents individually. This takes compromise, but they both keep their son‘s wellbeing the top priority.
I really admire Fritz and Pedraza’s maturity and grace in how they‘ve handled the dissolution of their romantic relationship. They seem to recognize that Jordan benefits most when they work together peacefully.
Watching their co-parenting dynamic is a great model for other young athlete parents navigating similar situations.
How Taylor Fritz Balances Fatherhood and His Tennis Career
For any professional athlete, finding harmony between an intense career and parenthood is an immense challenge. The long absences required by a sport like tennis can make it even harder to spend time with family.
But ever since Jordan was born, Taylor Fritz has been devoted to forming a close bond with his son despite his packed tournament schedule.
Fritz structures his limited downtime around spending quality time with Jordan. When possible, he brings his son on tour so they can explore new cities together.
Even if Jordan stays home, Fritz schedules video calls to remain engaged in his daily life. When not competing, Fritz enters “dad mode” – picking Jordan up from school, playing together, and enjoying meals as a family.
In 2022 when Fritz won his maiden ATP 1000 title at Indian Wells, Jordan was right by his side to celebrate the career milestone. Fritz called the victory “a dream come true” – for both himself professionally and the chance to experience it with his son.
Clearly Fritz is extremely motivated to excel on court for Jordan, not in spite of him. In Fritz‘s words:
“I want to be the best dad possible but also the best tennis player possible.”
So far, I believe Fritz is succeeding at both goals.
Perspective from Taylor Fritz‘s Proud Tennis Mom
As Taylor Fritz’s mom, former pro Kathy May has witnessed her son’s tennis journey from the start. May knows firsthand how much hard work he has put into his career after she competed at a top level herself in the 1970s and 80s.
So May could not feel more proud watching Taylor thrive both as a tennis champion and hands-on father to Jordan.
In interviews, May has marveled at the maturity and perspective fatherhood has brought to Taylor’s outlook. She says Fritz has truly embraced all facets of life – tennis, family, and beyond.
May is also thrilled to see her grandson Jordan inheriting the family’s love of tennis. She notices how Fritz makes Jordan feel part of his tennis world by bringing him to tournaments when possible.
For May, Fritz has really come into his own both as an athlete and a parent. She believes fatherhood has actually been instrumental in her son achieving his full potential in tennis.
According to May, the Fritz family tennis legacy is in good hands for years to come!
All About the Fritz Family Tennis History
As we’ve learned, Taylor Fritz grew up steeped in tennis tradition thanks to an accomplished athletic family. So where did the Fritz family tennis legacy begin?
Let’s take a deeper look at the tennis heritage that paved the way for Taylor Fritz‘s rise to the elite ranks of professional tennis:
Kathy May – Taylor‘s Mother
The tennis success story starts with Taylor Fritz‘s mom, Kathy May. During the 1970s and early 80s, May made her mark as an acclaimed American tennis pro.
Some highlights of May‘s career include:
- Achieved a career-high ranking of #10 in the world
- Reached the quarterfinals of the US Open in 1977
- Competed in all 4 Grand Slam tournaments
- Played at the professional level for over a decade until retiring in 1983
So Taylor grew up with a mother who had carved out a standout tennis career of her own. He learned from her experience training and competing at tennis’ highest levels.
Raquel Pedraza – Jordan’s Mother
Jordan’s mom Raquel Pedraza also has an extensive tennis background. She played professionally and even competed against Kathy May back in the 1980s.
So Jordan can take inspiration from his mom’s career as well if he pursues tennis. With both his parents understanding what it takes to play pro tennis, Jordan already has a big advantage.
Cole Fritz – Taylor‘s Brother
Taylor also has tennis in his blood on his dad’s side. His younger half-brother Cole Fritz has followed in Taylor‘s footsteps to play professionally.
Cole is currently ranked inside the ATP‘s Top 50. So Taylor has a built-in practice partner and source of companionship on tour in his brother.
With all this familial tennis guidance, it’s no wonder Taylor has developed into a world-class player. And the Fritz family has high hopes for what Jordan can also achieve in the sport if he chooses!
Who is Taylor Fritz Currently Dating?
On the relationship front, Taylor Fritz is currently dating a fashion influencer named Morgan Riddle. The pair have shared a number of sweet moments on social media, with Riddle frequently supporting Fritz at his tennis matches.
While Fritz’s first marriage to Raquel Pedraza ultimately ended, he seems to have found a new supportive partner in Morgan Riddle. Riddle often posts about feeling blessed to love Fritz unconditionally along with his family.
So even though he and Raquel did not work out romantically, Fritz appears happy in his new relationship. Most importantly, Fritz places being a dad to Jordan far above any romantic interests.
Will Jordan Follow Taylor’s Footsteps into Tennis Someday?
As Jordan Fritz grows up, whether or not he decides to pursue professional tennis remains to be seen. But a few key points make it a distinct possibility:
Athletic pedigree: With two former pro tennis parents, Jordan has the genes to excel in sports.
Immersed in tennis: Jordan is growing up traveling to tournaments and hanging out on the practice court. Tennis is embedded in his daily life.
Guidance from Taylor: Having a Top 10 dad provides Jordan with direct access to what it takes to make it in pro tennis.
Time on his side: At just six years old, Jordan has over a decade to decide if tennis is his passion.
Of course, Jordan should feel zero pressure to play tennis unless he wants to. But if he develops love for the sport, Jordan would have an ideal system around him to nurture his talents.
Taylor Fritz continues setting an inspiring example of how to balance being an elite tennis pro with dedicated family life. If Jordan inherits even a fraction of his dad’s drive and athletic gifts, then watch out!
The Fritz family tennis legacy may continue for generations to come.
Conclusion: The Fritz Family Is Proof Tennis and Parenthood Can Coexist
If this deep dive has taught me anything, it’s that family and tennis do not have to be at odds. Taylor Fritz makes it clear that his son Jordan is his motivation – not a detriment – to succeeding on court.
Watching Jordan grow up immersed in his dad’s tennis world is really heartwarming. I think the bond they share helps Taylor maintain perspective through ups and downs in his career.
At just age six, who knows if Jordan will ever decide to pick up a racquet himself. But if he does, the Fritz family tennis tradition gives him a rock-solid foundation.
Taylor Fritz‘s experience shows being a young father does not mean giving up on dreams. If anything, Jordan gives Taylor more inspiration to make it to the top and show his son what is possible.
The Fritz family exemplifies how tennis and parenthood can complement, not compromise each other. As a fan, getting to witness Taylor Fritz take this journey with his son is a privilege.
