Jannik Sinner Aims to Crash Taylor Fritz’s US Open Final Party

This Sunday at the U.S. Open finals in Flushing Meadows, Jannik Sinner aims to overcome the intense support of the home crowd as he faces American Taylor Fritz, who is seeking to be the first American man to win a Grand Slam singles title in 21 years.

Historically, American men like Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi dominated the Grand Slam scene, amassing 41 titles from the 1970s through the early 2000s. However, since Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium, no American man has claimed a major title.

With a drought spanning 82 consecutive slams, New York fans are expected to be exceptionally loud, rallying behind Fritz in hopes he can break this long-standing winless streak.

Italian player Sinner, despite being the top seed, acknowledges the challenge but finds solace in the support from his home country. “I have my team and people close to me,” Sinner noted, aware of his supporters back in Italy.

Sinner’s journey this year has been remarkable, highlighted by a major breakthrough at the Australian Open and a victory at the Cincinnati tune-up tournament last month.

Yet, his arrival in New York was marred by a doping controversy, which clouded his achievements. An independent tribunal cleared him of a potential ban after accepting his explanation of unintentional contamination that led to his positive tests for an anabolic agent in March.

Undeterred by the surrounding noise and criticism, Sinner has performed impressively, eliminating former champion Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals and overcoming Britain’s Jack Draper in a turbulent semi-final.

As for his physical condition, Sinner reassured that a wrist issue from a fall during the semi-final was promptly addressed, allowing him to play without pain subsequently.

His opponent, the 12th-seeded Fritz, has had a strong run at Flushing Meadows, defeating notable players like Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev before winning an all-American semi-final against Frances Tiafoe.

Known for his powerful serve, Fritz has already delivered over 75 aces during the tournament and feels confident in his abilities against Sinner, with whom he has a balanced head-to-head record of 1-1.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing him,” Fritz expressed, optimistic about his performance and chances on Sunday, “I think that level is good enough to win.”