Taylor Fritz is the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since 2009. That’s how big an achievement this is. Fritz has played some of his best tennis throughout the last couple of weeks, beating multiple tricky and in-form players en route – Berrettini, Ruud, Zverev and Tiafoe. But he will face an opponent who is even a tier above currently.
Jannik Sinner has delivered clinical performances against top players like Daniil Medvedev, Tommy Paul, and Jack Draper, who played the best tennis of his life. Sinner got the better of them without getting even close to losing. Sinner has been the most dominant player on hard courts this year and winning the US Open after everything surrounding him off the court, will give his career a huge boost.
US Open Men’s Final Preview
Key Factors of the Match
In the serve-return combination, Fritz and Sinner are around even if Sinner plays his B-game; Sinner has the advantage if he brings his A-game. Sinner is a great returner and will put significantly more returns in play than any opponent Fritz has faced. In terms of quality from the baseline, the Italian is considerably better. Sinner can put Fritz constantly on the run and hurt him like Tiafoe did for most of the match. Fritz has played a lot of tough matches and his recovery after the semifinals could be key.
Fritz will need to win the first set to have any chance to win this match. A high first-serve percentage and not getting involved in longer rallies would be the key for the American player. Sinner got off to a slow start in his last two matches and if that happens again, Fritz has to be brave and take advantage. The crowd support could also lift Fritz.
Sinner’s mental toughness will be put to the test as Fritz will look to take it to him right from the start with the crowd firmly behind the American. Sinner will look to redirect on his backhand consistently to trouble Fritz, and if he can find that pattern often, he will have more chances to win this easily.
Sinner is the heavy favorite on odds but if Fritz can take it to a fifth set he has a good chance, as Sinner’s five-set record isn’t great. Fritz has had a breakthrough year at the Grand Slam level, but this is a massive task for him. However, if there was a place to cause this upset, this is it.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
