Sinner beats Fritz to win US Open and claim 2nd Grand Slam of 2024
Jannik Sinner continued his remarkable 2024 season by defeating Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to win the US Open on Sunday, securing his second Grand Slam title of the year.
The World No. 1, who claimed the Australian Open earlier this year, became the third player in the Open Era to win his first two major titles in the same season, a feat last achieved by Guillermo Vilas in 1977.
Fritz, the 12th seed, was aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam title since Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open triumph. He was also the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Roddick's appearance at Wimbledon in 2009. Despite strong support from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Fritz could not capitalize on key moments, including an opportunity to close out the third set while serving at 5-4. Sinner broke back and took control to claim the title.
Sinner's dominant ball-striking throughout the match neutralized Fritz's powerful serve, particularly in the third set when Fritz gained momentum. The Italian's consistency from the baseline helped him win crucial points and maintain control in rallies. Sinner, cleared earlier in the year of a doping allegation that surfaced in March, closed the match with a decisive break of serve.
“This title, for me, means so much," Sinner said post-match, per Howard Fendrich of The Associated Press. "The last period of my career was really not easy."
He also highlighted the importance of mental toughness in his journey: "We just went day by day ... believing in ourself, which is the most important. I understand, especially in this tournament, how important the mental part is."
With this win, Sinner improved his 2024 match record to 55-5 and extended his current winning streak to 11 matches. His success on hard courts has been particularly notable, with a 35-2 record on the surface this year, making both his major titles possible.
Fritz acknowledged Sinner's skill following the match, saying, "He was too good."
This victory bookends a successful year for Sinner, who has become one of the most formidable players on the hard-court surface in 2024.
Other headlines from the tournament include wins by Joakim Stojsavljevic and Mara Jodar in the boys' and girls' US Open championships, while Australia's Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson claimed the men's doubles title. Despite their runs at the US Open, Fritz and fellow American Frances Tiafoe were not named to the U.S. Davis Cup team.
The US Open concludes with Sinner firmly establishing himself as the dominant force on hard courts this year, while the American Grand Slam title drought continues.
