American Taylor Fritz made history on Tuesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, overcoming a tenacious Alexander Zverev to secure his first-ever US Open semifinal berth. The victory marked a significant moment for American tennis, as the United States hasn’t seen a men’s champion on home soil since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
The 12th-seeded Fritz faced a formidable opponent in fourth-seed Zverev, who was seeking to replicate his 2020 US Open runner-up finish. Their encounter was a captivating display of skill and resilience, with both players pushing each other to the limit.
The opening set was a tight affair, with Fritz and Zverev trading blows from the baseline. Their strategic brilliance extended to the net, where they entertained the crowd with a mix of drop shots and winners. Zverev faced a daunting 0-40 deficit while serving to stay in the set but managed to recover, forcing a tiebreak. However, Fritz’s momentum proved unstoppable, and he clinched the set with a powerful overhead smash.
Zverev responded with a renewed determination in the second set, showcasing his trademark power with a spectacular return that landed on both the side and baselines, sparking celebrations from his camp. This surge in energy propelled him to break Fritz’s serve at 4-3 and level the match.
Fritz, however, refused to be deterred. He seized the momentum early in the third set, breaking Zverev’s serve and racing to a 3-0 lead. Although Zverev fought back valiantly, he found himself facing set points after a string of nervous errors. Fritz ultimately captured the set after Zverev hit the net, igniting a thunderous roar from the crowd.
The fourth set saw both players hold their serves, setting the stage for a nail-biting tiebreak. Fritz maintained his composure under pressure, while Zverev faltered at crucial moments, ultimately allowing Fritz to secure one of the biggest victories of his career.
Fritz will now face either Bulgarian veteran Grigor Dimitrov or fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals. A victory over Tiafoe would set up an all-American final, a prospect that has the American fans buzzing with anticipation.
“I know the crowd would really want to see me and Frances so we get an American in the final. I guess we’ll see what happens, but either way, I’ll be ready to go,” Fritz said.
