American Taylor Fritz has finally had his breakthrough moment, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal. He delivered an impressive display of tennis to beat Alexander Zverev, despite being the underdog. But this run isn’t unexpected; he’s made it to at least the 4th round of every major in 2024. It was bound to happen at some point. But doing it at home makes it much more significant for the tennis world.
Can Fritz rewrite history at the US Open?
Stagnancy and breakthrough
After a blistering start to his career, Fritz broke into the top 50 right after turning 21. Many American fans wondered if the California native would be the one to make American men’s tennis great again. He continued making strides, winning his first ATP title and breaking into the top 30 the following year.
But, as often happens, climbing the ladder further proved difficult for Taylor. Despite making his first ATP 500 final in Acapulco, Fritz had a losing record in 2020. And, in 2021, he endured another tough season, posting solid results but tearing his meniscus at Roland Garros –although he made a miraculous recovery– and yet again failed to win a trophy. By this point, his status as a top-30 player was clear. But shadows of doubt began to cast over his chances of becoming a real contender for big tournaments.
All that skepticism dissipated in 2022. Not only did he beat the then-undefeated Nadal at his home-state Master 1000, Indian Wells, to win his biggest title to date. He also claimed titles in Eastbourne and Tokyo. After a three-year drought, Fritz was now a four-time ATP champion, including a Masters 1000, and a top-10 player.
Last year for Taylor Fritz was more about reaffirming his breakout season than anything. And he did so. Without a peak as high as winning a M1000, he won two more tournaments. And, remarkably, he was the first American to be in the top 5 since Roddick, establishing himself as the leading man of his generation from the U.S.
Slam consistency and US Open 2024
Despite his accolades at 25, Fritz had only made the quarterfinals of a major once, at Wimbledon 2022. He was a great player, but few considered him capable of challenging for a Grand Slam. This year, besides adding two titles to his cabinet, Fritz’s greatest achievement has been consistently going deep at majors: quarterfinals in Australia, fourth round at Roland Garros, and quarterfinals at Wimbledon. The loss at the All England Club to Musetti was a missed opportunity, but the signs were there.
And so, Taylor arrived in NY with high hopes, both from himself and the American fans and media, who wonder every year if this is the edition where an American can finally replicate Roddick’s success in 2003.
After an expected routine first-round victory against Carabelli, Fritz had the daunting task of facing Matteo Berrettini. The way he handled the Italian in straight sets was impressive, sending a strong warning. He then dispatched another Argentine in the third round in straight sets, finding himself in the fourth round of a Slam for the fourth time in 2024.
Once again the favorite, Fritz started a set down against former finalist Casper Ruud. But he rallied back against a struggling Norwegian to reach the quarterfinals. There, he faced his toughest opponent yet: Alexander Zverev.
Can he go all the way?
Ironically, the next obstacle for Taylor before reaching the final is fellow American Frances Tiafoe, back in the US Open semifinals for the second time in three years. While the Maryland native always elevates his game in New York, he won’t have the full support of the crowd this time. Moreover, he does not possess the same firepower or marquee victories as Fritz in this tournament. This is Fritz’s match to lose, and a golden opportunity he has to seize.
If he overcomes the stern challenge ‘Big Foe’ will pose, he will likely face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner. However, given how this tournament has unfolded, he might face Draper or De Minaur, easier rivals on paper. Assuming it is one of the first two men, he will be a considerable underdog. But with his current level of play and how extremely loud the crowd would be, he has a real chance to pull off the upset and keep the trophy home.
The American dream
For the first time since 2006, there will be an American man in the final, whether it is Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe. The U.S. will be watching, and rooting for whoever comes out on top in that match. Taylor is the favorite, and he is one game away from national stardom. But, more importantly, he is two games away from glory. Fans around the world, and especially in the U.S., are wondering if Fritz has what it takes to end the Grand Slam drought for American men’s tennis. There’s only one way to find out, but he stands on the brink of history—and he’s playing like he knows it.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – Imagn Images
