World number one Jannik Sinner becomes the first Italian man to reach the final and win the US Open championship match in tournament history by beating American top racquet Taylor Fritz in straight sets on Sunday at Flushing Meadows.
At the age of 23, top sed Jannik Sinner continues to build on a stellar season, joining compatriot Flavia Pennetta as the only Italian singles champions in tournament history after prevailing over home hope Taylor Fritz with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory in two hours and 16 minutes in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
During the trophy ceremony, he stressed: “This title for me means so much; the last period of my career was not easy.”
“There is my team who supports me every day, the people who are close to me. I love tennis; I practice a lot for these kinds of stages, but off the court, there is a life.
“I would like to dedicate this title to my aunt, who is really not feeling well health-wise. I don’t know how much I’ll still have her in my life. It’s so nice I can still share a positive moment with her.”
Assessing his performance, Sinner outlined: “The work never stops. I know I can still improve, as we saw today, a couple of things. But you have to be proud of what you have, and the rest, you have to work for it. I can’t wait for my continued process.”
The title contenders traded breaks in the opening four games, with the San Candido native breaking the American on three occasions.
Fritz quickly showed who was not on his finest serving day, winning just 55 percent of the points on his first serve and 44 on his second service.
Sinner started his maiden US Open final in the driver’s seat, sealing the first set 6-3 in 41 minutes.
Taking an aggressive approach while showcasing great intensity, he took control of play to dismantle his opponent with his powerful forehand in full display.
In a league of his own, he built momentum into a second set he took 6-4, earning a two-sets to-love lead against his adversary and a loud crowd supporting him on home soil.
The Australian Open champion, who entered the final off the back of 34 hard-court wins this season, displayed his vast repertoire, using the drop shot when he deemed necessary - won 100 percent of his net approaches while converting the only break point throughout the set.
He seemed comfortable with his left wrist, showing no signs of injury.
In both first sets, they play long rallies with Sinner, yet to be beaten on a final this season, mastering his court coverage.
Fritz attempted a comeback, raising his level, moving well, and serving better, going from 2-3, 15-40 down in the third set to level up at 3-3. Then, he grabbed the break to take a 4-3 lead after Sinner hit a double fault and held, opening a 5-3 advantage.
Nonetheless, the 15-time ATP titlist rebuilt momentum in a massive effort to recover lost ground in style.
At 5-6 in the third set, the 26-year-old from California served to stay alive in the match, but Sinner neutralized the local favorite, rising to wrap up the set 7-5 and the championship match.
He finished with 23 winners against 21 unforced errors, compared to Fritz’s 29 and 34, respectively.
Moreover, he won 88 percent of the points on his first serve, converting six of 12 break points.
The resilient brand-new US Open winner was the better player on court across the entire contest, completing two weeks of magnificent tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
On Sunday, Sinner achieved another incredible feat, becoming the fourth and youngest man to win both hard-court Grand Slam titles (Australia Open and US Open) in a single season.
More to follow…
