"It just sucks" - Andy Roddick sympathizes with Taylor Fritz after seeing him being put under pressure to end 21-year Grand Slam drought
Andy Roddick has shown support to Taylor Fritz in the aftermath of the latter's straight-set loss to Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open men's singles final. According to Roddick, the constant pressure on Fritz to snap the American men's long Major drought in singles is a terrible burden to bear.
The 2024 US Open yielded two personal milestones for Fritz. He achieved his best result at a Grand Slam by reaching the semifinals. The former World No. 5 had never progressed beyond the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam before this.
Following his epic five-set win over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, Taylor Fritz reached his maiden Grand Slam final. 21 years after Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, there was hope that an American man would finally clinch a Major. However, it wasn't to be, as Fritz was outplayed in the final by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
There were signs throughout the match that Fritz would be able to turn things around in his favor, aided by the loud New York crowd. However, despite breaking Sinner at a critical juncture of the match in the third set, the American couldn't make it count, ultimately losing 3-6, 4-6, 5-7.
Recently, Andy Roddick spoke about the pressure on Taylor Fritz to win a Major. The 26-year-old has been the highest-ranked American men's tennis player in recent years. Roddick added that he feels anxious when questions related to the 21-year drought are fielded to Fritz.
"His (Fritz's) attachment to wanting to be the guy to end this drought is... I watch it and I'm like, 'Man, I hate that you have that (pressure).' After the final, he's like, 'I know we haven't had any...,' like he doesn't get choked up about anything, but this thing that he lives, it just sucks. And I get anxiety every time they ask about it," Roddick said on the Served With Andy Roddick podcast (at 1:11:47).
Fritz is known for his cool-and-calm demeanor, even in stressful situations. However, he turned emotional during his on-court interview following his 2024 US Open final loss.
Taylor Fritz apologized to American fans after US Open 2024 final defeat
Failing to win the 2024 US Open final took an emotional toll on Taylor Fritz, which was apparent during his on-court interview after thr match. At one point, Fritz choked up and rendered a heartfelt apology to American fans for failing to become the first men's singles Grand Slam winner from the USA since Andy Roddick won the hardcourt Major in 2003.
"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 (via The Tennis Letter on X).
Meanwhile, Fritz's run to the US Open final was rewarding in a sense as he broke back into the top 10 of the ATP Tour rankings, with a new ranking of World No. 7.