The second semi-final of the 2024 US Open features a match between Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, who are both trying to reach their first Grand Slam final. The two American players are very good on this surface and have taken advantage of the premature elimination of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in that draw split.
Tiafoe is playing well in recent weeks and has definitely overcome that long period of crisis that hit it for much of 2024. Frances reached the final in Cincinnati – losing to Jannik Sinner – and has also played great tennis here in New York thanks to the support of the crowd.
US Open© @gigpalileo X account
Excellent tournament for Fritz, who made a great effort against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals. The German was considered one of the main favourites for the win, but had to surrender to the American in four sets. Tiafoe and Fritz will have to be good at managing nerves and pressure, not being accustomed to such a high stake. The big favourite for the final victory at Flushing Meadows is undoubtedly the number 1 in the world of Sinner, but the two Americans can count on the unceasing cheering of their fans. The bookmakers consider Taylor to be the favourite in the match against Frances.
New York is in turmoil
The dream of the New York crowd is to see an American player win the last Grand Slam of the season. It will not be easy, but there are prerequisites for something historical to happen.
Andy Roddick is the last American tennis player to win a Grand Slam tournament in the men’s singles. It was back in 2003, 21 years ago, when the tennis player from Omaha in Nebraska won the US Open beating Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero. Of course with two Americans in the semi-finals, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, who will compete on Friday night in the semifinal there will certainly be an American tennis player in the 2024 US Open final.
Taylor Fritz, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot
Roddick who has a very successful podcast called “Served with Andy Roddick” talked about this situation and said that “the thing he hopes most of all is that one of the two American tennis players can lift the trophy of the US Open on Sunday”. What is certain is that on Sunday to compete for the title of the US Open there will be one between Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz. And Roddick clearly states his thoughts and really hopes that this sort of curse will end.
“I would love nothing more than an American to win the US Open on Sunday” – argues Roddick. “I hate this feeling of anxiety that is created every time one of the American players goes close to goal. The questions that are constantly asked about this aspect. I hate it for them. I want them to succeed, I want them to win. And frankly, if one of them breaks this curse, they could all start to fight regularly to lift these kind of trophies”.
The atmosphere is electric
After his match against Grisha Dimitrov, Tiafoe reflected on his next challenge: “When I met Taylor, he was a somewhat strange and different guy. I didn’t think he would do what he did. He transformed his body incredibly and has a lot of talent. He used to play tennis a couple of times a week, had a court at his house. He was a normal kid, and then he started dedicating more time. It was a lot of fun when we were younger. As we got closer, seeing how committed he was, once we all turned pro, we pushed each other to want to be great. No one wanted to be left behind. It has been something special to be a part of”.
Frances Tiafoe, US Open 2024© Stream screenshot
Fritz leads 6-1 in the head-to-head against Frances: “It’s different on the Arthur Ashe. I have to learn and I believe in a couple of those matches I should have won. He’s a very tough player, plays very well from both sides, has a great serve, and now moves much better. It will be difficult and a very important match for both, playing for a final. None of those matches come close to what this one will be.
In terms of personalities, we are extremes. He is more into video games and not leaving the room, I am louder. That’s why we like each other because we are completely different, and that’s why we get along. As competitors, we are very similar; we hate losing. It’s great and fun to see how our relationship has evolved.” American fans want to enjoy the show.
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 02:01:00
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