Novak Djokovic offers words of encouragement to Taylor Fritz after heartbreaking US Open 2024 final loss to Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic has extended his support to Taylor Fritz after the American lost the 2024 US Open final. Jannik Sinner defeated Fritz in straight sets on Sunday, September 8, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Fritz, who played his first Grand Slam final, fell short of his motive to end the drought for American men, which has been ongoing for 21 years. Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a singles Major at the 2003 US Open. Sinner got the best of Fritz in the two-hour 15-minute match with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

Novak Djokovic, a four-time US Open champion, consoled Taylor Fritz with encouraging words. He shared a picture of the American on his Instagram story and wrote:

"Well done on a great tournament and first Grand Slam Final👏"

Jannik Sinner won his second Major at the 2024 US Open, the first one being the 2024 Australian Open where he downed Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in the final on January 28 at the Rod Laver Arena.

Taylor Fritz disappointed after his loss in the US Open 2024 final

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Taylor Fritz expressed his dismay about losing his first Grand Slam final. He said he was disappointed with some of his shots and felt like he let a lot of people down.

"Right now I’m just pretty disappointed in a lot of things on the court, how I played, how I hit certain shots. It sucks,” Taylor Fritz said (as quoted by India Today). “American fans have been waiting for a men’s champion for a long time, and I feel like I let a lot of people down."

The 26-year-old also spoke about the positive aspects of his journey.

"There are obviously a lot of positivities. When I cool down, I'll be happy about making it to the final," he added.

Fritz further opened up about his skills and said (as quoted by ATP Tour):

"It is a great feeling to have gotten to this point, knowing that I'm playing well, but I'm playing very within myself, and I feel like it's repeatable. I think the biggest thing is that I played solid this week, but I played very within myself. I don't think I at any point, was, like, wow, I'm playing incredible, or I'm playing out of my mind."

Ahead of the 2024 US Open, Taylor Fritz faced an early exit at the Cincinnati Open, where he was defeated by fellow American Brandon Nakashima in the first round with a scoreline of 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(4).