Introduction
Tennis fans have long been captivated not just by Taylor Fritz’s powerful baseline game but also by the stories behind the athlete. Lately, online debates have revolved around his mother’s appearance—“mom face”—with rumors of cosmetic surgery swirling. Additionally, curiosity surrounds his mother’s past relationships, often misinterpreted as “first wife.” This article unpacks these topics with accurate, respectful insight and clarity.
1. Who Is Kathy May?
Kathy May Fritz, known in tennis circles as Kathy May, is a former professional tennis player from the United States. Rising in the 1970s, she earned:
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Seven WTA singles titles and four doubles titles
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Appeared in three Grand Slam quarterfinals, including the 1977 and 1978 French Opens and 1978 US Open
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Achieved a top-10 world ranking during her career.
Originally from Los Angeles, she turned professional at age 18, eventually retiring at 24 due to the challenges of life on tour.
2. What Happened to Her Face? The Rumors Explored
Kathy May’s appearance at the 2025 US Open, where she cheered for Taylor in the stands, sparked speculation online.
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Some social media users have circulated facelift rumors, suggesting changes in her look were due to cosmetic procedures.
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However, these reports remain unconfirmed; no credible sources or statements from Kathy herself have substantiated the idea that she underwent surgery.
Key Takeaway: While noticeable changes in appearance often lead to speculation, there’s no verified proof that Kathy May had cosmetic surgery.
3. Family Matters: Parents and Upbringing
Taylor’s tennis prowess can be traced through a rich family legacy:
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His parents, Kathy May and Guy Fritz, married in 1986 and raised Taylor in San Diego—providing him with a backyard tennis court to hone his skills.
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Guy Fritz, once a touring pro himself, coached young Taylor. He notably helped him win the 2015 junior US Open, and was named US Olympic Development Coach of the Year in 2016 People.com.
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In interviews, Taylor emphasized that there was never parental pressure to play tennis—he pursued it because he genuinely enjoyed it.
4. Debunking “First Wife”—Clarifying Kathy’s Personal History
The phrase “first wife” often leads to confusion when discussing Kathy May’s life, but here’s what’s accurate:
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Before marrying Guy Fritz, Kathy had been briefly married to Australian Open champion Brian Teacher, but the marriage ended shortly after his major win.
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Later, in 1981, Kathy married firefighter Donn Paben, with whom she had two sons. This marriage ended as well.
So, references to “first wife” may stem from misinterpretations—Kathy wasn’t a “first wife” in relation to Taylor; instead, she had earlier marriages prior to Guy Fritz.
5. Conclusion
Taylor Fritz’s rise in tennis lives on the foundation laid by his parents—especially his accomplished mother, Kathy May. While her appearance at the US Open ignited speculation, no credible confirmation of cosmetic surgery exists. Clarification around her earlier marriages helps dispel misunderstandings about “first wife.” Ultimately, the true story lies in her legacy as a respected former pro, a supportive parent, and a private individual navigating public attention.
