Taylor Fritz ends America's 15-year wait, sets up US Open final with Jannik Sinner
Taylor Fritz became the first American man since 2009 to reach a Grand Slam final on Friday, setting up a US Open title showdown against world number one Jannik Sinner.
Fritz, the world number 12, twice fought back to defeat compatriot Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in his semi-final.
Australian Open champion Sinner became the first Italian man to make the New York final with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 win over an ailing Jack Draper of Britain.
«He overwhelmed me at the start and I was freaking out a little,» said 26-year-old Fritz after securing victory with a 16th ace.
«I just told myself to stay in it, hold serve and apply scoreboard pressure.
»I did all I could to stay in it. If I hadn't have done that I'd regret it forever. In the final, I will come out and give it everything."
Andy Roddick was the last American to make a men's singles final at the Slams at Wimbledon in 2009. He was also the last man from the country to capture a major title when he won the 2003 US Open.
Fritz was just five years old at the time.
Tiafoe was the better player for large parts of the semi-final but after dumping a lazy drop shot into the net to surrender the fourth set, his game fell apart.
In a 27-minute final set, Tiafoe won just nine points as he slumped to a second US Open semi-final loss in his last three visits.
«It's tough to swallow, it's going to hurt,» said Tiafoe.
«I thought I was the better player but in the fourth set I had some cramps. My body kind of shut down on me. Probably to do with nerves.»
Earli
