On Sunday, Jannik Sinner grabbed his second Grand Slam of 2024. He dashed Taylor Fritz’s dreams in the US Open final, breaking a 21-year American drought for a male champion at the majors. Sinner, ranked number one globally, claimed his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January. His 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory also made him the first Italian man to celebrate a win in New York.
23-year-old Sinner recently asserted his dominance in tennis with a 55th win and a sixth title. His competitor, 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, also made his mark in US Open, collecting French Open and Wimbledon titles, bringing his total major wins US Open to four. These victories affirm the two as emerging dynamos in the tennis world.
“This championship carries significant weight,” Sinner confessed. He arrived in New York amid controversy after evading penalties for two failed drug tests. “This stage of my career has been challenging, but I’m fortunate to have my team and family,” he added. “I’m passionate about tennis and wins US Open for second grand but I’m also aware there’s life beyond the court.
“I want to dedicate this trophy to my sick aunt,” Jannik Sinner said with deep emotion. “I’m unsure how much longer she will be with us, but she has consistently played a vital role in my life. Her support and love have been invaluable, and this victory is a tribute to her unwavering presence and encouragement throughout my career.”
Tennis player Fritz, currently the twelfth best globally, was aiming to be the first American man to win a major since Andy Roddick did it in New York, 2003. The 23,000 strong crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium included celebrity fans. Among them was Taylor Swift, the music superstar, who was there with her boyfriend, NFL athlete Travis Kelce. Also, renowned actor Matthew McConaughey was unmistakable with his star-spangled headband. “The past two weeks have been incredible. Kudos to Jannik, he excelled in today’s match and wins US Open.
His performance was noteworthy and he was superior,” Fritz admitted. “I regret disappointing by not winning, but I promise to keep striving. I believe I can do it next time.”
Sinner took an early 2-0 lead, but Fritz quickly found his footing to equalize at 2-2. The American, 26, managed to save a breakpoint during an intense 23-shot rally in the fifth game, yet soon fell behind at 4-3.
Seizing an opportunity, Sinner executed a third break, securing the first set as Fritz missed a backhand. Prior to Sunday’s final, both players demonstrated remarkable stability, letting their service drop just 20 times across six tournament rounds. This ability was evident in the tense second set, with service holds marking the initial nine games until the 10th.
Sinner got to two set points and won on the first try, as his powerful forehand left Fritz struggling and his return flopped into the net. When it came down to the finale’s stage, Sinner had merely made nine mistakes to Fritz’s 19, showing his control over the game.
Fritz was the first American male to reach a Grand Slam final since Roddick in 2009 at Wimbledon. He saw three chances to break up Sinner’s serve disappear in the third set’s first game.
Yet, Sinner doubled his faults to four, giving Fritz the lead at 4-3. The top-seed Italian, unwilling to admit defeat, won back a break in the 10th game while Fritz was serving and held onto his lead at 6-5. Fritz’s apathetic return led to two championship points for Sinner. Sinner clinched victory and wins US Open as Fritz’s return ended up in the net.