"I'm going to win" - Taylor Fritz backs himself for US Open glory ahead of Sunday's final against Jannik Sinner
US tennis player Taylor Fritz has expressed his belief that he can defeat World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final. Fritz advanced to the final after a three-set victory over fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals.
Fritz, who recently faced upsets at the 2024 Canadian Open and Cincinnati Masters, dominated his first three rounds against Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Matteo Berrettini, and Francisco Comesana, winning in straight sets. He then faced Norwegian Casper Ruud in the fourth round, defeating him in a thrilling four-set match. Fritz continued his impressive run, defeating German Aleksander Zverev in the quarterfinals to set up a semifinal clash with Tiafoe.
The all-American semis marked the first since Andre Agassi and Robert Ginepri played each other at the 2005 US Open. In a thrilling five-setter, Fritz bested the World No. 10 Frances Tiafoe by a score of 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the final, becoming the first US player to reach the stage since Andy Roddick in 2006.
Ahead of the highly anticipated match-up, the 26-year-old expressed confidence in his ability to defeat the Italian in the summit clash.
"Whenever we've played each other, I've enjoyed our duels. I feel like I'm going to go out there on Sunday, play really well and win. When I'm playing my best tennis, I consider myself good enough to be a Grand Slam champion," Taylor Fritz said. (via Punto de Break)
At the 2021 BNP Paribas Open, the 26-year-old ousted the then-10th seed Sinner to advance to his first Masters 1000 quarterfinals in his career. If Fritz were to win the 2024 US Open final, he would become the first American man to win at Flushing Meadows since Andy Roddick in 2006.
Taylor Fritz experienced a dream-come-true moment after his victory against Frances Tiafoe
Taylor Fritz couldn't hold back his emotions after winning the semifinal at Flushing Meadows. Having worked extremely hard for the victory, Fritz struggled to believe his accomplishment until the crowd erupted in cheers.
"It still hasn't fully sunk in, I feel like it. When the crowd cheered me and I was introduced as the finalist of the tournament, I felt incredibly emotional because this is the fulfillment of a dream. I've been working hard for so long to achieve something like this...," he said. (via Punto de Break)
He added,
"I've always told myself that I should keep fighting until I achieve my goals and that I should never regret not giving my best effort at the end of my career."
The final, scheduled for September 8, 2024, will feature a highly anticipated matchup between the World No. 1 and No. 5.