‘Emotional’ Taylor Fritz becomes first American man in 15 years to reach a Grand Slam final at 2024 US Open
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz beat Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller to reach his first Grand Slam final at the 2024 US Open.
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Taylor Fritz (Image via US Open)
Taylor Fritz scripted history on Friday (September 6) night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, becoming the first American to reach a Grand Slam final in 15 years. The American No. 1 defeated Frances Tiafoe in a five-set semifinal of the 2024 US Open.
Despite losing the first set, Fritz fought hard and won the marathon match 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in three hours and eighteen minutes. Since Andy Roddick at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships, American men have struggled to reach the final at a Major.
The win brought out many emotions in the World No. 12, who dropped his racket and stood still for a while taking it all in. After shaking hands with Tiafoe and the chair umpire, he let out a huge roar with his both hands aloft.
Taylor Fritz defeats Frances Tiafoe in midnight thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium
Taylor Fritz pulled off a memorable win against Frances Tiafoe in a midnight thriller at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 26-year-old, playing his first Major semifinal, made a jittery start, with Tiafoe taking the opening set despite trailing 0-3 at one point.
The second set saw both Americans easily holding well until Tiafoe served to stay in the set at 5-4. While a big serve helped him take that game, Fritz won eight points in a row, hitting six winners in that stretch, to level the match on his second set point.
Tiafoe took the third set, surviving a 44% first-serve percentage in the third set and the 20th seed continued to do well in the fourth set as well. He got to 4-4 without facing a break point. However, two double faults and two unforced errors from 40-15 at 5-4 handed the set to Fritz.
In the decider, Fritz brought out best, using the second serve to his advantage to take a quick 4-0 lead. While a loose game from Fritz gave Tiafoe some hope, the 12th seed rattled off eight straight points to clinch victory. He sealed the set and the match with an ace, his 11th of the night. He is set to face top seed Jannik Sinner for the title on Sunday.
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Ritesh Pathak
(2150 Articles Published)