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For the first time in 18 years, an American man is guaranteed a spot in the US Open singles final, as Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz both advanced to the semi-finals in New York. This marks the first time since Andy Roddick’s 2006 final appearance that an American man has reached this stage in the tournament.
Taylor Fritz, 26, broke his streak of Grand Slam quarter-final losses by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in a hard-fought four-set match, winning 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). Fritz, who has been inching closer to a major breakthrough, expressed his elation after the victory: “Today just felt different. I really felt like it was my time to go a step further.”
Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe advanced under unusual circumstances when his opponent, Grigor Dimitrov, was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury. Tiafoe was leading 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 4-1 when Dimitrov, visibly struggling, conceded the match. Tiafoe acknowledged the bittersweet nature of his win but looked forward to his upcoming clash with Fritz, calling it “the biggest match of mine and Taylor’s life.”
Fritz’s Breakthrough Victory
This victory marks Fritz’s first semi-final appearance in a Grand Slam, breaking a pattern of quarter-final exits at major tournaments. His match against Zverev was a battle of wills, with Fritz capitalizing on key moments, especially in the third set. Despite Zverev’s strong start, Fritz’s ability to neutralize the German’s powerful serves and stay composed under pressure proved decisive.
Zverev, clearly frustrated after the match, admitted he “played terrible” and had “no answers” to Fritz’s solid performance. The loss was especially bitter for Zverev, who had aimed for his third US Open semi-final and his first Grand Slam title.
Tiafoe’s Victory Amidst Dimitrov’s Injury
Frances Tiafoe, known for his dynamic and aggressive play, was in control for most of his match against Dimitrov. The American broke early in the first set and maintained his momentum despite a close second set that ended in a tie-break. However, the match took a turn when Dimitrov, who had been struggling physically, was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury.
Though the win came under unfortunate circumstances, Tiafoe was gracious, acknowledging the difficulty of advancing in such a manner. He now prepares for a historic semi-final against Fritz, which will guarantee an American man in the final for the first time since 2006.
Looking Ahead
The all-American semi-final between Tiafoe and Fritz is highly anticipated, as both players aim to end the long wait for a homegrown US Open champion. The last American man to win a Grand Slam was Andy Roddick, who triumphed at Flushing Meadows in 2003. As the two prepare to face off, the excitement is palpable, with both players knowing the significance of this moment in American tennis history.
