In an electrifying final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Italy’s Jannik Sinner etched his name into tennis history by defeating American hopeful Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, to win the 2024 US Open. Sinner’s ruthless baseline game overwhelmed Fritz, who was carrying the weight of a 21-year US men’s Grand Slam drought. The victory marks Sinner’s second Grand Slam title of the year, following his triumph at the Australian Open, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
JANNIK SINNER IS A TWO-TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION!! pic.twitter.com/E5VYumaSz6
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
Sinner’s Dominance from the Start
The atmosphere was tense, with a packed New York crowd largely rooting for Fritz to deliver a long-awaited home victory. However, Sinner wasted no time in asserting his dominance, breaking Fritz in the very first game of the match. While the American briefly fought back, showcasing resilience by breaking Sinner in the fourth game and saving break points with an incredible 23-shot rally, Sinner’s ability to find the perfect moments to strike became the defining theme of the night.
In a display of precision tennis, Sinner broke Fritz yet again with a stunning drop shot in the seventh game, putting the set beyond Fritz’s reach. As the Italian claimed the first set 6-3, it was clear that he had silenced the home crowd early, signaling his intention to control the match from the baseline.
Fritz Fights, But Sinner Outclasses
The second set saw a fired-up Arthur Ashe Stadium as chants of “USA! USA!” echoed around the court, urging Fritz to mount a comeback. The American, seeded 12th, initially responded well to the support, holding his serve with grit and looking poised to mount a challenge. However, Sinner’s relentless pressure forced errors from Fritz at critical junctures, and the Italian took full advantage by breaking Fritz on set point, edging ahead 6-4.
The third set provided a glimmer of hope for Fritz’s supporters, as he broke Sinner in the early stages. However, Sinner, unfazed, quickly regained control of the match, breaking back in the 10th game. The Italian’s incredible resilience shone through in key moments, particularly when he clawed his way back from triple break point down in the opening game of the final set.
As Fritz’s frustration mounted, he smashed his racket after missing a volley that could have turned the tide. Meanwhile, Sinner remained laser-focused, breaking Fritz yet again to seal the match and the championship. A forehand into the net from Fritz on match point was the final act, as Sinner dropped to his knees in celebration, the new king of New York.
The Cloud of Controversy
Sinner’s path to glory was not without its challenges off the court. Earlier this year, the Italian found himself embroiled in controversy after testing positive for an anabolic agent. While he narrowly avoided a ban, thanks to an independent tribunal ruling it as an unintentional contamination, the incident cast a shadow over his remarkable season. Yet, in true champion fashion, Sinner blocked out the external noise and let his tennis do the talking, proving his mettle under immense pressure.
“I’ve had so many big wins this season, starting with Australia, and playing well here in New York gave me the confidence to keep going,” Sinner said after the match. The 23-year-old’s mental fortitude, combined with his blistering baseline power, has been a cornerstone of his success this year.
Fritz’s Heartfelt Apology
Despite the disappointment, Taylor Fritz displayed humility and grace in his post-match speech. With American legend Andre Agassi standing beside him during the trophy presentation, Fritz addressed the crowd: “I know we’ve been waiting for a champion for a long time, so I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time. But I’m gonna keep working, and hopefully, I’ll get it the next time.”
Fritz, who was hoping to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam, faced immense pressure throughout the tournament. His fight and determination were commendable, but Sinner’s class on the night proved too much to overcome.
