Jannik Sinner Triumphs Over Taylor Fritz in U.S. Open Final
NEW YORK — Jannik Sinner captured the U.S. Open title with a dominant performance against Taylor Fritz at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in just over two hours. As the top seed, Sinner outclassed Fritz, the 12th seed, leveraging his tactical brilliance and consistent play to claim his second Grand Slam title of 2024 and solidify his status as the world’s No. 1.
Fritz’s Serve Struggles
From the onset, Fritz found it challenging to keep up with Sinner. Despite having a powerful serve often clocking over 120mph, Fritz struggled to secure points, leading to three breaks in his five service games during the first set. His first-serve percentage fell to 38%, and he could only win 55% of those points, a sharp decline from his tournament average of 81%.
Sinner’s Tactical Mastery
Fritz managed to improve his first-serve percentage to nearly 90% in the second set, but Sinner disrupted his rhythm by extending rallies and capitalizing on unforced errors. At a critical juncture when Fritz served at 4-5, three unforced errors gave Sinner the set point he needed, showcasing the Italian’s strategic adjustments and mental fortitude.
Crowd Engagement
The crowd desperately tried to rally behind Fritz, especially in the third set, but Sinner remained unshaken. Although Fritz momentarily matched Sinner’s intensity, key mistakes and a composed performance from the Italian undermined any potential comeback.
Sinner’s Unbeatable Form
Sinner has firmly established himself as a formidable force in 2024, boasting a 55-5 record. Even when players like Carlos Alcaraz have pushed him, Sinner has demonstrated an ability to adapt and overcome. His match against Fritz further highlighted his tactical evolution, especially by adjusting his return position to thwart Fritz’s serve.
Post-Match Reflections
After the match, an emotional Sinner dedicated the win to his ailing aunt, emphasizing the personal triumph behind his professional success. Fritz acknowledged his shortcomings and expressed determination to continue improving, vowing to be a future Grand Slam contender.
Final Words from the Champions
- Jannik Sinner: “The last period of my career was really not easy… She [my aunt] was a very important person in my life.”
- Taylor Fritz: “I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time, but… I’m gonna keep working, and hopefully I’ll get it done next time.”
