"I'm sorry" - Taylor Fritz chokes up in US Open presentation ceremony after failing to break 21-year Slam drought for American men
Taylor Fritz rendered a heartfelt apology to American tennis fans after his straight-sets loss to Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2024 US Open. Fritz was out to end the long wait for the next American men's tennis player to win a singles title at a Grand Slam. However, the World No. 12 couldn't get the job done, as Sinner's relentless ball-striking prowess, combined with his own errors at critical junctures of the match ultimately led to his defeat.
Fritz was the underdog going into the 2024 US Open men's singles final against Sinner, and seemed destined for a loss after he came up second-best across the first two sets of the encounter. However, the American regrouped in the third set, and even engineered an opportunity to clinch it to get back into the contest.
Unfortunately for him, Fritz could not make the most of it and Sinner ruthlessly capitalized to deal a heartbreaking 3-6, 4-6, 5-7 defeat to the American. As a result, Andy Roddick is still the last American man to win a major singles title, which came at the 2003 US Open.
During his post-match on-court interview, a clearly emotional Taylor Fritz expressed his gratitude to the fans for their support before choking up and apologizing to American fans in particular over his loss to Jannik Sinner.
"It's been an amazing run and thank you to the fans for everything this week. Being an American at the US Open is just incredible, feeling love all week, so thank you so much," Taylor Fritz said.
"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," Fritz added.
Despite Fritz's loss in the men's singles final of the 2024 US Open, this year's edition of the hard-court major has still been one of career milestones for the California native.
US Open 2024 saw Taylor Fritz reach a major semifinal for the first time as well
Taylor Fritz's biggest challenge at Flushing Meadows this year undoubtedly came in the final against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. However, in the quarterfinals, the American faced Alexander Zverev, the World No. 4 and a former US Open finalist. Zverev was the favorite going into the match based on rankings.
However, aided by the German's faltering two-handed backhand, which is usually among his most potent weapons, Fritz won the match 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3). The win marked the first time in five attempts that he was able to win a quarterfinal clash at a Grand Slam.
Taylor Fritz is also set to improve on his World No. 12 ranking by reaching the final of the 2024 US Open. Had he won the final, he would have been the new World No. 6. But due to his loss, he will have to settle for World No. 7. Fritz achieved his career-high ranking of World No. 5 in February last year.