Jannik Sinner, the world No.1 and title favorite, awaits Taylor Fritz in the final of the US Open following the American’s five set defeat of compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.
It’s a dream come true and I’m going to give it everything I possibly have. I know that for a fact. Taylor Fritz
In what will be his first final at this level, he will be bidding to become the first male American singles player to win their home major title since 2003 when Andy Roddick took out Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero in three sets.
With both Americans dreaming of that opportunity, it was Fritz who eventually progressed to take up challenge following his 4-6 7-5 4-6 6-4 6-1 victory in three hours and 18 minutes to retain his status as the US No.1 which was also at stake.
And having secured the victory, Fritz showed plenty of emotion at having reached a personal goal.
“It’s the reason I do what I do, the reason why I work so hard,” he said. “I’m in the final of the US Open.
“It’s a dream come true and I’m going to give it everything I possibly have. I know that for a fact.”
For awhile it looked as Tiafoe, ranked 20, would deny him that opportunity as he led the 12th seeded Tiafoe 2-1 following three tightly fought sets.
Tiafoe, 26, was two games away from reaching what would have been his own maiden Grand Slam final, but Fritz forced a deciding fifth set helped by some overconfidence from his compatriot.
Having forced a deciding set, Fritz took full command breaking Tiafoe twice to march into the final.
The 26-year-old from San Diego later admitted that he had to control his emotions in that final set.
“I felt I wasn’t doing anything wrong, I was just getting overwhelmed,” Fritz admitted.
“I was freaking out a little bit and [coach Michael Russell] told me to keep doing what I was doing, accept it was okay and keep making him do it.
“That helped to calm me down and let me know I was doing the right thing.
“He was overwhelming from the baseline so much, taking the ball so early, changing lines so well,” Fritz added on Tiafoe’s aggressive approach.
“I just told myself to try to stay in it, fight to hold my serve and apply scoreboard pressure as much as possible.
“If I didn’t give it absolutely everything I had and stick with it and see if his level might drop a little bit, I would regret it for a long time.”
Frances Tiafoe allowed a lead to slip away
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Tiafoe, in contrast, was really disappointed.
“Going to hurt really, really bad,” he admitted and then revealed that nerves got the better of him.
The final promises to be a more than interesting affair and one that the partisan crowd could well tip in Fritz’s favor!
