Taylor Fritz made history at the US Open after defeating fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal at the Flushing Meadows. Fritz will now take on Jannik Sinner in the final on Sunday.
Fritz went 3-0 ahead early in the first set but a stupendous comeback from Tiafoe ended the first set 6-4 in the latter’s favor. Fritz came roaring back in the second set, earning a double break and eventually taking the set 7-5.
Tiafoe managed to edge out Fritz in the 3rd with his resilience and tactical play on full display but Fritz dug deep and showcased his determination and endurance, ultimately overpowering Tiafoe in the final two sets to take the match 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
With this win, Fritz became the first American to reach the US Open final since 2009 when Andy Roddick reached the final of the Wimbledon.
“He overwhelmed me at the start and I was freaking out a little,” said 26-year-old Fritz after the match. “I just told myself to stay in it, hold serve, and apply scoreboard pressure. “I did all I could to stay in it. If I hadn’t done that I’d regret it forever. In the final, I will come out and give it everything.”
Fritz will now take on Jannik Sinner in the final, who saw off Jack Draper in their last 4 clash, earning a a 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2 win. Sinner hit 42 winners and overcame a scare in the second set when he tweaked his left wrist while cushioning his fall after stumbling behind the baseline. The 23-year-old also became the first Italian to reach the US Open final.
Sinner and Fritz will now do battle on Sunday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to claim the US Open crown. If Fritz does end up as the winner, he will become the first American to win the home Grand Slam since Andy Roddick triumphed in 2003.
The two finalists have met twice before with both winning once. Sinner will come into the game as a clear favorite but Fritz would back himself to pull off an upset amid the overwhelming sense of home support.
US Open 2024: Women’s Final
On Saturday, the women’s final of the US Open will be played between Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka. This will be Pegula’s first-ever Grand Slam final and while the American may not rival Sabalenka’s Grand Slam achievements, she does come into the final with a better form, winning 15 of her past 16 matches.
The pair have met 7 times previously with Sabalenka winning 5 and Pegula with 2 wins to her name.
Read More: Most US Open Titles in Women’s Singles
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
