Taylor Fritz fired up for less stressful showdown with Jannik Sinner in US Open final

NEW YORK – Taylor Fritz believes his US Open title clash against Jannik Sinner on Sept 8 will be less stressful than his encounter with fellow American Frances Tiafoe, as he will be the underdog when he meets the world No. 1.

Fritz, the top-ranked American at No. 12, outlasted Tiafoe 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 on Sept 6 to take a big step towards ending his country’s 20-year wait for a men’s Grand Slam champion – after Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open triumph.

Having become the first US man to reach a Slam title-decider since losing finalist Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009, the 26-year-old said he will relish his shot at glory.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing him (Sinner). To be honest, I don’t think I’m going to be put in a more stressful situation than I was today,” Fritz said.

“I think today was much more stressful than me playing the final. I just feel good. I have a feeling I’m going to come out and play really well and win.”

The match took place after Sinner defeated an ailing Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, with the hopes of a nation weighing heavy on the two Americans.

“Both of us want to be the guy to make it,” added Fritz, who held a 6-1 advantage in head-to-head meetings with Tiafoe before the match but added that his compatriot had played “unbelievable” tennis during these two weeks.

“I’m not going into this thinking I’m the favourite. Everything’s totally different when you’re playing a match like this.

“He overwhelmed me at the start and I was freaking out a little. I just told myself to stay in it, hold serve and apply scoreboard pressure. I did all I could to stay in it. If I hadn’t have done that I’d regret it forever. In the final, I will come out and give it everything.”

Fritz was beaten in three sets the last time he met Sinner, in the Indian Wells last eight in 2023, and he expects a huge test against a player who has since made his Grand Slam breakthrough by winning this season’s Australian Open.

“He strikes, he hits the ball big, he’s like a very strong ball striker, but I feel like I always hit the ball really nice off his ball,” the American said. “I think I typically play well against him.”

Earlier, in a gruelling three-hour match, Draper, the first British man in the semi-finals since Andy Murray won the title in 2012, was undone by 10 double faults and 43 unforced errors.

He also vomited on the court, blaming anxiety for the illness.

“Jack and I know each other very well, we are great friends off court,” said Sinner, who unleashed 43 winners in the match where he also injured his wrist in a nasty fall.

“It was a very physical match. He’s so tough to beat, so I’m excited to be in the final.

“In the final, it will be another very tough challenge. I’m happy to be in that position because if you are in the final on a Sunday it means you are doing an amazing job.”

The Italian is hopeful the wrist injury he picked up will not be a bother for the big clash.

“The physio (loosened) it up very fast on court, so after that I felt OK. Then it went away by playing, which is good,” he said. “Let’s see how it is tomorrow, hopefully it’s nothing to be concerned about.”

The 23-year-old also spoke about the challenges of facing Fritz, saying that he is a player with a “big serve”.

“Very solid player from the back of the court. He can hit strong. He can hit with rotation. He can mix up the game very well,” he added.

“We’re in New York playing against an American, so it’s going to be, for sure, the crowd a little bit more on their side. But it’s normal. It’s like when I play in Italy... so I’m going to accept that.” REUTERS, AFP