"Head up champ" - Nick Kyrgios consoles Taylor Fritz as American turns emotional after heartbreaking loss to Jannik Sinner in US Open final
Nick Kyrgios has shared a message of encouragement for Taylor Fritz after the American's heartbreaking loss in the 2024 US Open final. Fritz couldn't contain his devastation after his loss to Jannik Sinner, burying his head in his hands in an emotional display.
Fritz had the hopes of an entire nation resting on his shoulders in his maiden Major final at the US Open as he attempted to end the 21-year Grand Slam drought for American men since Andy Roddick's triumph at the New York Major in 2003.
Despite the formidable challenge of facing World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the title clash, Taylor Fritz remained optimistic about his chances. Speaking to the press before the final, the American expressed confidence in his ability to beat the 23-year-old.
"To be honest, I don't think that I'm going to be put in a more stressful situation than I was today than playing in a final. I think today was much more stressful for me than playing the final. I just feel good. I have a feeling I'm going to come out and play really well and win. When I play good tennis, I think that level is good enough to win," Fritz said.
However, Sinner dashed the American's hopes, making a dominant start to the contest and clinching the first two sets with ease. Although Fritz fought back strongly and had an opportunity to serve for the third set, the World No. 1 held his nerve to win four games in a row and claim a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory.
Taylor Fritz was visibly dismayed after his heartbreaking loss, burying his head in his hands after returning to his bench. As an image of Fritz's emotional display circulated on social media, Nick Kyrgios consoled the American, urging him to take pride in his stellar fortnight at Flushing Meadows.
"Head up champ 🙏🏽🗣️ what a couple weeks @Taylor_Fritz97 - should be extremely proud of you," Kyrgios posted.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get it done" - Taylor Fritz turns emotional as he rues failure to end 21-year Slam drought for American men
Taylor Fritz struggled to hold back tears during the US Open presentation ceremony, extending a heartfelt apology to the home crowd for failing to end their 21-year wait for an American Grand Slam champion.
Despite his devastating loss to Jannik Sinner, the 26-year-old expressed his determination to continue working hard and achieve the feat at the next time of asking.
"It's been an amazing run and thank you to the fans for everything this week. Being American at the US Open is just incredible, feeling love all week, so thank you so much. I know you've been waiting for a (American) champion for a long time, so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time, but I'm going to keep working and hopefully I'll get it done next time, thank you," Taylor Fritz said.
Taylor Fritz has much to be proud of regarding his campaign at the US Open, having reached a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time with his win over Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.