Italian star Jannik Sinner is the new US Open champion after posting a three-sets to love triumph over Taylor Fritz at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, on Sunday. The final scores were 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.
Sinner displayed tactical superiority through the first two sets and was rarely troubled. He was superior in the rallies and made significantly fewer mistakes than his American counterpart, who appeared dazzled at times.
The home favorite managed to get a break in the third set to go 4-3 in front as the Flushing Meadows crowd went wild. He then held serve to go 5-3, but that was the last game he won. Sinner rebounded with an inspired display of fighting guts and technically brilliant tennis to win the next four games.
“I know how much work [Taylor] puts in and I wish you the best of luck for the future,” said a magnanimous Sinner during his post-match interview. “This title means so much and I dedicate this to my aunt who is really unwell at the moment.
“We just went day-by-day, practicing a lot and I knew the mental side was important in this tournament. I know everyone is watching at home, but I’d like to thank everyone in this arena for being so fair (against an away player).”
MORE: Who was the last American to win US Open men’s singles title?
After electing to receive, Sinner broke Fritz’s formidable serve three times out of five to win the first set 6-3. It was the perfect start and the American looked very uncomfortable in the baseline exchanges.
Fritz settled better in the second serve, but the break eluded him. Sinner seemed to win all the crucial moments, and it was the same again when he finally broke his opponent to win the second set 6-4. At this point, the writing was on the wall.
The underdog refused to give up without a fight, though. He saved two break points in the third set and then finally got the break he wanted to pull away to a 4-3 lead. He then held serve to go just one game from making a fight out of it before Sinner took over for good, breaking his man twice more.
By winning this final, Sinner, 23, becomes just the fourth man in more than fifty years to win his first two major titles in the same calendar year. The Italian claimed the Australian Open title in January.
“[Jannik] was too good,” said Fritz, who was understandably down after the match but can take solace from having reached his first grand slam final. “It’s been an amazing run and thank you to the fans for everything.
“Being an American at the US Open is just an incredible feeling of love all week. I know we’ve been waiting for a champion for a long time and I’m sorry that we couldn’t get it done this time. I’m gonna keep working and, hopefully, we can get it done next time.”
Sinner becomes the first Italian male in history to win the US Open title.
Taylor Fritz vs. Jannik Sinner score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Taylor Fritz | 3 | 4 | 5 | – | – |
| Jannik Sinner | 6 | 6 | 7 | – | – |
Taylor Fritz vs. Jannik Sinner live updates, results, highlights from 2024 US Open final
(All times Eastern.)
* Denotes server
THE 2024 US OPEN CHAMPION IS JANNIK SINNER, WHO ADDS THIS TITLE TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN CROWN THAT HE WON EARLIER THIS YEAR. A MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE FROM THE WORLD NO. 1.
25 years after winning the US Open, @AndreAgassi returns to present this year’s 🏆 to Jannik Sinner! pic.twitter.com/KQKkkveaYe
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 5-7 Jannik Sinner – GAME, SET, MATCH SINNER!!!!
Double fault from Fritz, who may be beginning to fall apart. The American goes long with a backhand and just like that, Sinner is two points from home. Long 17-shot rally and Fritz wins it on a drop shot 15-30. OH NO, Fritz mis-hits the dry volley and goes long. Two championship points. FRITZ NETS AFTER A HUGE RALLY AND JANNIK SINNER IS THE NEW US OPEN CHAMPION. Awesome performance from the world’s No. 1. He makes history as the first Italian male to win this major.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 5-6 Jannik Sinner*
The last game seems to have sucked the wind out of Fritz, who is 30-0 in an eyeblink. He’s not giving up yet, though, and crushes a forehand winner. Double fault and we’re 30-30. That’s bad timing for Sinner, who had re-established command. Fritz goes long on the backhand. Sinner still striking the ball better right now 40-30. A high forehand from Fritz goes harmlessly wide. Game Sinner and Fritz must hold to keep his hopes alive.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 5-5 Jannik Sinner
The American goes wide with a backhand return. Huge moments in this game. Sinner gets a drop shot back but Fritz finds the winner. A huge forehand by Sinner forces the return forehand from Fritz to go long. Massive hitting from both men. Sinner goes long and it’s 30-30. Fritz goes agonizingly long when Sinner lets the ball pass him. Break point for the Italian. SINNER BREAKS BACK AND THE AMERICAN IS DEVASTATED. That’s why Sinner is the World No. 1. Amazing!
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 5-4 Jannik Sinner*
Ace from Sinner and the first-serve power-hitting takes him to 30-0. Double fault and it’s 30-15. Second-serve forces Fritz to hit the backhand long. Surprising miss. The American goes long on a backhand and Sinner takes the game. Quick, easy service game, but Sinner must break to stay in this set.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 5-3 Jannik Sinner
The double fault from Fritz is poor following a break. Sinner nets and we’re 15-15. One of the worst unforced errors from the Italian who goes way wide on a forehand 30-15. Easy points for Fritz, who sends a comfortable return down the line on the forehand. Double fault again from Fritz. He doesn’t need this right now 30-40. Mis-hit from the American and now we’re at deuce. A big first serve gives the home favorite the advantage. Massive ace and Fritz holds.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 4-3 Jannik Sinner*
Powerful backhands force a high return from Fritz and Sinner wins on a forehand slice cross-court. Sinner goes long and it’s 15-15. A brilliant lob from Fritz that Sinner gets back, but Fritz powers home a huge forehand volley and the CROWD EXPLODE 15-30. It’s the crucial moment… again. Best play yet from Fritz as an approach shot forces an inaccurate return from Sinner. Fritz wins on a forehand slice cross court 15-40. DOUBLE FAULT FROM SINNER AND FRITZ GETS THE BREAK!!!
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 3-3 Jannik Sinner
Crazy angle on the forehand winner from Sinner for 0-15. Fritz capitalizes on a first-serve response but then goes long on a forehand 15-30. We’re back in the danger zone. And he goes out 15-40. Two break points for the Italian. This could be the final twist of the knife. Mercifully, Sinner goes out with a forehand. Terrific 21-shot rally and Sinner goes wide. We’re at deuce! Advantage Fritz after he counters a high return with a forehand smash. Three huge points in a row see the American hold. It’s still an uphill struggle but he needed that.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 2-3 Jannik Sinner*
Huge forehand winner beats Fritz and it’s 15-0. An excellent pair of forehands with maximum power from Fritz gets him back in the game. Ugh, he nets again. That’s been the story of this game; Fritz floundering at the all-important moments. And just like that it’s 40-15. Double fault — a surprise — from Sinner and we’re 40-30. Brilliant forehand winner from Sinner right in the corner.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
Ace from Fritz at 129 mph. The forehand from the American should have been easy, but it’s a 22nd unforced error when he nets. Sinner can’t do anything with that first serve and it’s 30-15 but he misses the half volley. Sinner goes long and it’s 40-30. The Italian then mis-hits the first serve and Fritz with a much-needed hold. The crowd chants “USA, USA, USA!”
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 1-2 Jannik Sinner*
Powerful return from Fritz goes long and it’s 15-0. And now he goes wide. The American mutters to himself in frustration now. Sinner is striking the ball so well, but he now trikes the net and it’s 15-30. A huge backhand return from Sinner touches the line much to Fritz’s dismay. And now it’s the forehand winner and the Italian holds serve. It’s been like Christmas so far for the world No. 1.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 1-1 Jannik Sinner
Awesome reflexes at the net sees Fritz go 15-0 up, but he goes wide on a forehand. Fritz’s serving has momentum again and he powers to a 40-15 lead. he’s not done yet. AND AN ACE! Great game for the American who responds well under the worst pressure.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 0-1 Jannik Sinner*
Sinner mis-hits after serving 0-15. The Italian then goes long and it’s 0-30. This is a crucial moment. Can Fritz do something? He needs it now!! WOW! It’s 0-40 after Sinner nets. Fritz will never get a better chance to break. One breakpoint is saved when Fritz nets on the backhand. Sinner’s first serve not looking great. Still dynamite in rallies, though, and a huge forehand makes it 30-40. And again… From 0-40 to deuce. And an ace, his fifth, gives Sinner advantage. Fritz gets the ball back but it goes high and sets up a forehand smash. Five points in a row see Sinner hold. Fritz cannot a break.
And just like that, Jannik Sinner swiftly leads two sets to love! pic.twitter.com/tzSvSJWcnG
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-6 Jannik Sinner
Unforced error immediately and it’s 0-15. And another one. Taylor Fritz is 0-30 down and he’s in trouble. The American bites his fist in derision. Gets on the board when a 120 mph serve forces an error from Sinner 15-30. Fritz hits the net again and it’s break point. Only an hour and fifteen minutes gone in the game. AWESOME BACKHAND DOWN THE LINE AND SINNER WINS THE SET. THE ITALIAN IS UP TWO SETS TO LOVE.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
A 17-shot rally is won by Sinner when the American nets a forehand slice. Terrific response as Fritz punishes the second serve, forcing the Italian to go long. Drop shot winner from Sinner and it’s 40-15. Another big rally, but the Italian gets the best of it. Fritz must hold this next service game.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 4-4 Jannik Sinner
Thumping first serves from Fritz. An ace and he goes 30-0. Another first serve hits the mark and Sinner goes wide. Sinner gets on the board despite the first coming his way 40-15. Another slicing first serve gets in and Sinner goes wide. Game Fritz!
Taylor Fritz 3-6 3-4 Jannik Sinner*
A t-line ace from Sinner to go 15-0. Fritz comes back in the next rally and forces Sinner to net. The American is playing better and really wants a break for the momentum shift. The forehand goes wide and it’s 30-15. A drop shot from the Italian forces Fritz to go long with the return over the net 40-15. Fritz nets and still has command even though there’s been no breaks in the set.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 3-3 Jannik Sinner
A sixth ace from Fritz to go 15-0. Sinner running for everything but he’s miles away from Fritz’s forehand volley. Dynamite first serves from Fritz and he wins the game to love.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 2-3 Jannik Sinner*
A terrific backhand volley down the line brings the American to 15-15. Fritz misses an easy forehand and it’s 30-15. Still missing the crucial shots. Sinner forces his opponent to go long on the forehand. Fritz mis-hits a second serve from Sinner, with the ball flying high into the crowd. Really poor game from the American.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
Huge forehand volley from the American and he’s 15-0. An ace helps his cause AND ANOTHER ONE! Big-time first serving from Fritz. The second serve forces Sinner to net and it’s game Fritz. Terrific game from the home player.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 1-2 Jannik Sinner*
Sinner’s serve under pressure and falls to 15-30. Great response on the forehand winner and then an ace to go 40-30. He holds from 15-30 again, which will be demoralising for Fritz, who just can’t seize the crucial moments in this game. That’s what makes the difference when the stakes are high.
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 1-1 Jannik Sinner
Fritz finds some first-serve rhythm and dominates a quick game. Sinner only takes one point.
Taylor Fritz 3-6 0-1 Jannik Sinner*
Fritz goes long on the forehand return and it’s 15-0. He then goes out with the same shot. The American must not get discouraged here. It’s now 40-0. It’s easier said than done though as Sinner aces him. Love game.
Jannik Sinner takes the opening set off Fritz 6-3! pic.twitter.com/PMgpOmDeq3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
*Taylor Fritz 3-6 Jannik Sinner
Fritz serving to stay in the set and it’s a bad start. Sinner returns rapidly and goes 0-30. The American cannot get his first serve going and it’s hurting him. Big rally and Fritz can’t get it done. A big serve forces the error from Sinner and it’s 15-40. A desperate backhand return goes high and Sinner misses the forehand volley which goes long 30-40. Fritz is fighting hard and has saved two break points. FRITZ GOES LONG WITH THE BACKHAND AND SINNER HAS TAKEN THE SET 6-3.
Taylor Fritz 3-5 Jannik Sinner*
Sinner goes long on forehand return 0-15. A tight rally is won by the Italian as Fritz nets. Another big rally and Sinner wins it when his opponent goes long. The unforced errors are increasing from the No. 12 seed. It’s 40-15 and the momentum is with Sinner now. A big second serve from the Australian Open champion forces Fritz to go long.
*Taylor Fritz 3-4 Jannik Sinner
Fritz goes long and it’s and Sinner nets 15-15. Big rally featuring knockout ground strokes. The American goes long and is under a bit of Fritz. The first serve percentage is 48% for Fritz, who now double faults. Not good! It’s 15-40. Sinner capitalizes with a superbly timed drop shot and it’s another break.
Taylor Fritz 3-3 Jannik Sinner*
The first ace by Sinner and it’s 15-0. A deep backhand from the American forces Sinner to net 15-15. Huge first serve by Sinner but he double-hits on his second shot 15-30. Fritz goes long on the forehand and we’re 30-30. A crushing forehand winner by Sinner bashes off the hard court. Fritz nets a forehand and Sinner holds from 15-30.
*Taylor Fritz 3-2 Jannik Sinner
Undeterred, Sinner is back out blazing and puts on the pressure to go 15-30. Huge forehand from the back of the court by Fritz in response and it’s 30-30. Goes wide on the backhand and it’s break point already for the Italian. Super-long rally with so many grazes on the line and Sinner goes wide on a forehand. Amazing tennis! HUGE first-serve winner by Fritz is unreturnable and it’s advantage. Sinner goes long in another rally and Fritz holds.
Taylor Fritz 2-2 Jannik Sinner*
Only one unforced error from Sinner in the first three games. Make that a second as the Italian goes wide 0-15. Fritz goes long with a backhand return off the second serve. He needs to take advantage of those moments. Just as I say that, a wonderful backhand from Fritz and it’s 15-30. And his backhand is dominant in the next rally and it’s the break point. A desperate return off the first serve sets up a smash for Sinner. That’s one break point saved 30-40. Tough rally and the American hits the net. We’re at deuce. Killer forehand from Sinner when the backhand goes high. Advantage Sinner. DOUBLE FAULT FROM SINNER. Back to deuce.
Brilliant backhand from Fritz and it’s another break point. He’s dominating that stroke in the exchanges at the moment. Ball high on the return and Sinner misses the forehand volley. IT’S A BREAK FOR THE AMERICAN.
*Taylor Fritz 1-2 Jannik Sinner
First ace from Fritz and he wins the second point, too. That’s much better. Sinner goes wide and it’s 40-0. That was quick… a love game and now we have a match. The players take a break.
Taylor Fritz 0-2 Jannik Sinner*
Long, energy-sapping rally won by Sinner and it’s 0-15. Sinner had unquestionably settled better out of the gate. Monster forehand from the Italian and it’s 40-0. The American goes long with a forehand and it’s an easy hold for the world No. 1.
*Taylor Fritz 0-1 Jannik Sinner
Fritz to serve and his second serve forces a rally. Sinner wins the point with a brutal forehand down the line 0-15. Baseline rally and Fritz goes long 0-30. Fritz gets on the board after getting the first serve in and he forces an error from the Italian. 15-30. Dynamite rally won by Sinner, who has break point already. Excellent point from Fritz whose forehand was dynamite. One break point saved. Killer serve forces a desperate high return. Should have been easy pickings, but Fritz hits it wide. The early break for Sinner.
2:11 p.m.: The warm-ups are underway. Sinner won the toss and elected to receive. We’ll now switch to game-by-game scoring.
2:09 p.m.: The players enter the arena. As expected, Taylor Fritz receives a thunderous ovation from the home crowd. The reception for Sinner isn’t as big but still respectful.
2:00 p.m.: Ruben Studdard sings America the Beautiful as the ball boys and boy girls enter the arena. Not long now!!!
1:50 p.m.: In his pre-match interview (recorded), Fritz noted that there are strong similarities in playing style, with both men known as offensive baseliners. “I’ll need to be on his level of ball striking,” said the Californian. The American is the underdog here, but his motivation is sky-high.
1:20 p.m.: 40 minutes until the 2024 US Open Final. Can Jannik Sinner double up on his grand slam success after securing the Australian Open earlier this year, or will American star Taylor Fritz win his first major?
Read the full article here