Jannik Sinner won his second Grand Slam title of 2024, defeating Taylor Fritz in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to take the US Open men’s championship on Sunday in New York. He's the first Italian player to win the tournament, which adds to his Australian Open title earlier this year.
Fritz was attempting to become the first American man to win the US Open, or any Grand Slam title, since Andy Roddick in 2003, but the drought continues for at least one more year.
"I know we have been waiting for a champion for a long time, so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time," Fritz said in his post-match interview. "But I'm going to keep working and hopefully I'll get it done next time, so thank you."
Though play was relatively even at points, with both players engaged in rallies lasting multiple shots, the No. 1 seed Sinner was more assertive with his forehand in key moments. The Italian’s long reach enabled him to cover the baseline from side to side, while also keeping No. 12 Fritz off-balance with his returns.
Sinner also changed up his shotmaking to catch Fritz off guard, mixing in drop shots to catch Fritz playing way back. That finesse was impossible for Fritz to cover while also defending the baseline. Fritz either wasn’t willing or able to charge the net aggressively as he did in his semifinal match versus Frances Tiafoe.
Fritz played his way back in the second set as it looked like Sinner might pull away. The supportive crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium may have been a factor in providing a boost. However, Sinner again mixed Fritz up by hitting finesse shots with his forehand, keeping the American off balance and making him play catch-up.
Falling behind by two sets, Fritz faced a difficult uphill climb and couldn’t gain momentum in the third set. He changed his approach, playing the net more aggressively, while taking Sinner deep into the corners with his forehand.
He mixed in some drop shots that Sinner couldn't get to. The crowd came to life as Fritz appeared to come alive. However, Sinner could afford to stick with what he'd been doing with a two-set lead and eventually won points by hitting returns straight on rather than cross-court.
Eventually, Fritz appeared to wear down after having to catch up from so far back. He seemed to grunt louder with each return, apparently indicating the urgency he faced. Meanwhile, Sinner stayed calm — almost robotically so — and maintained his game plan to handle whatever Fritz could throw at him.
Once he broke Fritz's serve to take a 6-5 lead, he had the opening to the final victory.
Sinner was the top-seeded men's player coming into the tournament and he played like it. Just like Aryna Sabalenka on the women's side, Sinner has become a dominant hard court player and could be so for years to come.
"I did pretty well, I guess. We just went day by day. I am very happy, very proud," Sinner said after the match, while dedicating the victory to his aunt, who is apparently in failing health.
"I would like to thank everyone for being so fair. It was a huge pleasure. An incredible year, so many big wins and starting with Australia," he added. "The work never stops, you can always improve. I can’t wait for my continued process."
Sinner won his third match against Fritz, previously defeating the American at Indian Wells. This was the first time they faced each other in a major tournament and considering how well both are playing, it most likely won't be the last.