NEW YORK — In a thrilling semifinal match at the US Open on Friday night, Taylor Fritz outlasted Frances Tiafoe in a gripping five-set encounter to secure his place in his first Grand Slam final. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, marked the first US Open semifinal featuring two American men in 19 years, and the crowd was treated to a compelling spectacle.
The encounter began with a burst of applause, setting the stage for a high-intensity match between two close friends who have known each other since their junior tennis days. Despite the competitive nature of the clash, it was Fritz who emerged victorious with a final score of 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Fritz, the No. 12 seed, was pushed to the limit by the No. 20 seed Tiafoe but managed to secure his seventh win in eight meetings against him. Fritz’s remarkable performance in the final set, where he won six consecutive games, was crucial in sealing his victory.
“It’s the reason why I do what I do,” Fritz said emotionally after the match. “It’s the reason why I work so hard.” He will now face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final, aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open.
Fritz reflected on the match’s intensity, noting that the semifinal was perhaps more stressful than he expects the final to be. “To be honest, I don’t think I’m gonna be put in a more stressful situation than I was today,” Fritz remarked, highlighting the unique pressure of competing against a fellow American for a chance to reach the US Open final.
This victory also marks a milestone for Fritz, who has now reached his first Grand Slam final in his 33rd major appearance, the fourth most attempts by any man in the Open Era. His previous best result in a major was a quarterfinal appearance.
Tiafoe, who struggled with cramps and nerves, expressed disappointment after the match. “I felt like my body shut down on me,” he said. This defeat adds to Tiafoe’s record of 13 losses in five-set matches at Grand Slam tournaments since his debut in 2015.
Fritz’s journey to the final included victories over notable players such as Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Matteo Berrettini. His strong serving and decisive play were key factors in his successful semifinal performance.
As Fritz prepares for his showdown with Sinner, he is poised to make a significant impact on American tennis, with a chance to end the long wait for a US Open title.