Taylor Fritz celebrated his victory over Frances Tiafoe in the U.S. Open semifinals on Friday night, propelling him into his first Grand Slam final on Sunday, where he will face top-ranked Jannik Sinner.
Fritz, a 26-year-old California native, and Tiafoe, also 26 from Maryland, took to the Arthur Ashe Stadium for an historic showdown—the first U.S. Open semifinal featuring two American men in 19 years. The crowd, caught in the excitement, expressed enthusiasm for both players as the match began, but support ultimately swelled for Fritz as he made a significant comeback against a visibly frustrated Tiafoe.
Fritz triumphed with a final score of 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, marking his first appearance in a Grand Slam final. “It’s the reason why I do what I do,” Fritz shared with fans, his voice emotional after the match. “It’s the reason why I work so hard.”
Seeded No. 12, Fritz’s intense match against No. 20 Tiafoe will lead him to a championship face-off against No. 1 Sinner. “He was overwhelming from the baseline so much… I just tried to tell myself to stay in it and fight,” Fritz reflected, emphasizing his determination to keep battling, even when he was close to losing.
This victory makes Fritz the first U.S. male finalist at a major since Andy Roddick’s 2009 Wimbledon loss to Roger Federer. If successful against Sinner, Fritz would achieve a significant milestone as the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since Roddick’s victory at the U.S. Open 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 declared. The momentum shifted significantly in the fourth set, where he dominated as Tiafoe struggled with his performance. A crucial double fault from Tiafoe in the fifth set marked a turning point, and despite a brief slip by Fritz, he quickly regained control and wrapped up the match with a heartfelt embrace at the net with Tiafoe.
On the other side of the draw, Sinner, a 23-year-old Italian who cleared his name in a doping case just weeks prior, secured his place in the final with a 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory over No. 25 Jack Draper. Their match included both players receiving treatment from their trainers, highlighting the physically demanding nature of their battle.
“I just tried to stay there mentally,” Sinner noted after his win, emphasizing the physical strain of the match.
The distinct personalities of both players were evident, with Tiafoe’s energetic demeanor contrasting with the more composed Fritz. Tiafoe’s team erupted with enthusiasm at every pivotal moment, while Fritz’s supporters celebrated more reservedly.
Fritz, who had never advanced beyond the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam before, has displayed remarkable skill throughout this tournament, defeating accomplished players such as Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Matteo Berrettini. Although he started strong, Tiafoe rallied briefly, taking five consecutive games before Fritz regained his focus to push through.
As they prepare for their final showdown, it’s clear that Sinner’s previous controversies have not overshadowed his prowess on the court, with many acknowledging his exceptional ball-striking ability. Sinner’s reputation as a formidable competitor continues to grow as he gears up for the championship match against Fritz.