Taylor Fritz is intent on staying grounded as he returns to Flushing Meadows for the final Grand Slam of the year. While his runner-up finish at the 2024 U.S. Open stands as a personal milestone and a career boost, the 27-year-old Californian is doing his best to keep last year’s results from clouding his focus.
“I’m honestly trying not to think about last year there,” Fritz told the Associated Press. “I want to do everything the same as I did it last time — which is not looking ahead in the draw, not thinking about the end of the tournament.”
Heading into the tournament, Fritz has a strong case to be optimistic. He reached a career-best No. 4 ranking and sits behind only Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev in the world order. He comes into the event with a fresh memory of his 2023 U.S. Open final appearance, the first time a U.S. man reached a Grand Slam title match since 2009, and he has noted that his ongoing run in majors has been buoyed by his improved fitness and endurance.
Two of Fritz’s last four Slam defeats have come against the sport’s two current stars, Sinner and Alcaraz, underscoring the level he’s competing at this year. He was also edged by Sinner in the final of the ATP Finals in Italy and by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon semifinals, a reminder of the high bar set by the sport’s top players.
A big serve, a powerful forehand, and a steadily sharpening return game have helped him rise to the top echelons of men’s tennis, even as he searches for a first major title in an era dominated by Sinner and Alcaraz. His memory from last year’s U.S. Open run remains vivid: it culminated with a first major semifinal win over countryman and friend Frances Tiafoe, a moment Fritz says he still cherishes for its sheer intensity.
Still, Fritz isn’t chasing past performances on film just yet. If things aren’t clicking, he might revisit match footage to jog his memory, but for now, he’s focused on the present and on replicating what worked during last year’s surge.
Coach Michael Russell has seen Fritz’s improvements firsthand. He attributes part of Fritz’s success to better conditioning, which allows him to trust longer matches and push through tough moments. Russell describes a snowball effect: as Fritz advances deeper into majors, confidence grows, new experiences accumulate, and the hard work begins to pay off.
There’s no mistaking the historical context for American men in majors: no one has claimed a singles title since Andy Roddick at the 2003 U.S. Open. Fritz hears that history, but he stresses that the pressure he feels is self-imposed—a competitive drive that’s been the constant through his career.
What’s clear is that Fritz remains hungry and resilient. His blend of weaponry, stamina, and a growing belief in his own capacity could propel him to further breakthroughs as he chases a major crown in a field led by the game’s elite.
Key takeaways
– Fritz is focused on the present, aiming to replicate last year’s approach rather than dwell on past results.
– He sits at a career-high No. 4 and is motivated by reaching major milestones while contending with Sinner and Alcaraz at the sport’s top level.
– His improved fitness and endurance are highlighted as drivers of his recent success in majors.
– His memory of beating Tiafoe to reach his first major final remains a personal touchstone.
Summary
Fritz enters the tournament with momentum, strong mental focus, and a clear plan to stay grounded. As he aims for another deep run, his combination of power, improved fitness, and belief in his own path could keep him in the title conversation.
Potential angles for follow-up
– How Fritz adjusts his strategy against specific opponents in the draw.
– The impact of his training regimen on performance in long matches.
– A closer look at how his coaching relationship with Michael Russell influences match preparation.
– The ongoing outlook for American men in majors and how Fritz fits into the broader narrative.