Taylor Fritz became emotional and held his head in his hands as he faced an excruciating defeat against Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final. Sinner won the match 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.
On Sunday, September 8, Sinner, a first-time US Open finalist, took on Fritz, a first-time Grand Slam finalist, in the summit clash at the New York Major. The pair came into the battle in fine form with multiple victories over top players.
Sinner began the match aggressively, breaking Fritz's serve in the opening game and holding to lead 2-0. Fritz then rallied, winning three consecutive games. However, the World No. 1 responded emphatically, winning the next four games to secure the first set 6-3.
In the second set, neither competitor could earn the upper hand before Sinner crucially broke Fritz at 5-4 to win the set 6-4.
Only a set away from defeat, 12th seed Fritz looked like he was back in the match as he led 5-3 with rapturous support from the Arthur Ashe Stadium behind him. But, the top seed had other plans. Fritz's charge was swiftly ended by Sinner's four-game streak helping him win the set 7-5.
As Sinner went to his player's box to celebrate with his team, Fritz turned emotional and held his head in his hands on his bench.
He was the first American to reach a men's singles Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009. He was hoping to end a long title drought for the USA in the men's singles event but it was not his night.
Taylor Fritz apologizes to fans after US Open 2024 final defeat against Jannik Sinner
Since Andy Roddick won the US Open in 2003, no American man has won a Grand Slam singles title. Taylor Fritz was en route to ending the 21-year wait when he took to the Arthur Ashe Stadium to face Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final.
However, the American faced a straight-set defeat and apologized to the fans during his on-court interview.
"It's been an amazing run and thank you to the fans for everything this week. Being American at the US Open is just incredible, feeling love all week, so thank you so much," Taylor Fritz said.
"I know you've been waiting for a (American) champion for a long time, so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time, but I'm going to keep working and hopefully I'll get it done next time, thank you," he added.
With his triumph, Sinner joined an elite and short list of players including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Mats Willander to win the Australian Open and US Open on hardcourt in the same season.