Taylor Fritz is First American in U.S. Open Final Since 2006

In a historic night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe showcased their talent in the U.S. Open semifinals, marking the first meeting between two American men in this stage of the tournament in 19 years. As they entered the court on Friday evening, the crowd was electrified, caught in a dilemma of who to cheer for between the two close friends.

Just before the match commenced, the audience erupted into applause, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown. The match was a whirlwind of momentum changes, making it difficult for fans to pick a side, given the long-standing friendship between the two players who first competed against each other in junior tournaments.

Ultimately, it was Fritz who emerged victorious after a gripping five-set battle, clinching the match with scores of 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. This win secured Fritz’s place in his first Grand Slam final, much to the delight of the crowd.

Overcome with emotion, Fritz thanked the audience in a post-match interview, expressing how much their support meant to him during his journey. “It’s the reason why I do what I do,” he said, visibly cracking under the weight of his achievement.

Ranked No. 12, Fritz’s victory over the 20th-seeded Tiafoe set up a championship match against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Fritz’s win marked his seventh victory in eight encounters against Tiafoe, and he displayed sheer tenacity throughout the match, vowing to fight through even when he was on the verge of defeat in the fourth set.

“I told myself that if I didn’t give it absolutely everything I had, I was going to regret it for a long time,” Fritz reflected on his mindset during the pivotal moments of the match.

With this triumph, Fritz became the first American man to advance to a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009, and he is set to play for his first major title at the U.S. Open since Roddick’s victory there 21 years ago.

“It’s a dream come true. I’m in the final. So I’m going to come out and give everything I can possibly give,” Fritz shared, brimming with excitement.

The decisive moment came in the fourth set when Fritz, with the score tied at 4-all, asserted his dominance as Tiafoe struggled with cramps, a byproduct of nerves and the pressure of being so close to a title match. Tiafoe recounted the experience, saying, “I felt like my body shut down on me. I got ahead of myself.”

Despite some errors, including a double-fault that handed Fritz a crucial break, Tiafoe fought until the end. However, the match concluded with an embrace at the net, symbolizing their deep friendship despite the competitive nature of the sport.

Sinner, on the other hand, comfortably dispatched No. 25 Jack Draper with a score of 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the other semifinal match during a physically taxing encounter that required both players to receive medical attention. Sinner, who recently cleared his name in a doping scandal, credited his mental toughness in navigating the challenges of the match.

In a scene that illustrated the intensity of the competition, Sinner received treatment on his left wrist after taking a tumble, while Draper sought help for vomiting during the match, which unfolded under high humidity and temperatures.

There were fewer distractions during the Fritz-Tiafoe match, though Tiafoe’s emotional style was evident as he celebrated key moments energetically with support from his team. Fritz’s supporters, in contrast, maintained a calmer demeanor in response to his performance.

Notably, Fritz had never advanced past the quarterfinals of a major tournament before this year, yet in this journey, he has defeated notables including Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Matteo Berrettini, showing his growth as a player.

Fritz initially came out strong, serving at speeds reaching 135 mph, while Tiafoe quickly found his rhythm and took control of the second set. However, the match was characterized by fierce competition, with several intense rallies showcasing both players’ skills.

As Tiafoe grapples with the loss, he expressed the emotional toll of the defeat, saying, “This one’s going to hurt really, really bad.”

The stage is now set for Fritz as he prepares to face Sinner, with both players eager to claim their spot in tennis history.

Source: CBS News