Taylor Fritz made history by becoming the first American man since 2009 to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open. In a thrilling semi-final match, he defeated Frances Tiafoe to set up a title showdown against world number one Jannik Sinner. The world number 12 showed resilience and determination as he fought back to win the match, securing victory with his 16th ace. Fritz, who was just five years old when Andy Roddick last achieved this feat, is now poised to make his mark in the final.
Tiafoe put up a tough fight in the semi-final, but ultimately fell short as Fritz capitalized on his mistakes to secure the win. Despite feeling that he was the better player at times, Tiafoe struggled with cramps and nerves in the crucial moments of the match. In contrast, Sinner displayed composure and skill in his semi-final, becoming the first Italian man to reach the US Open final. The Australian Open champion overcame an ailing Jack Draper to book his spot in the title match.
Draper, the first British man in the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray in 2012, struggled with anxiety and physical issues during his match against Sinner. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Draper was undone by double faults and unforced errors, as well as an unfortunate fall that resulted in a wrist injury. Sinner, known for his powerful game, expressed excitement at the prospect of competing in the final and acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead.
In the women’s doubles final, Ukraine’s Lyudmyla Kichenok emerged as a Grand Slam champion alongside partner Jelena Ostapenko. The duo defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai to clinch the title, just days after Kichenok had to cancel her wedding plans. Despite the unexpected change of events, Kichenok remained focused on her tennis and celebrated the victory with her partner on the court. The 32-year-old’s resilience and dedication to the sport paid off as she achieved a major milestone in her career.
Both Fritz and Sinner have shown exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting final match-up. As the first Italian man and American man in over a decade to reach the US Open final, Sinner and Fritz are poised to make history on the grand stage. Fans can expect a thrilling battle between these two talented players as they compete for the prestigious title. With their impressive performances and unwavering focus, Fritz and Sinner have proven themselves as worthy contenders for the championship crown.
