The 2024 US Open buzzed with anticipation for an American men’s singles champion, a feat unseen since 2003. Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Sebastian Korda, and Frances Tiafoe, all ranked in the top 20, fueled this hope. The excitement reached fever pitch when Novak Djokovic, a perennial contender, was stunned by Alexei Popyrin in the third round. Adding to the shock, Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, was upset by Botic van de Zandschulp. This unprecedented upset meant that, for the first time since 2002, none of the legendary ‘Big Three’ (Djokovic, Federer, Nadal) would win a Grand Slam title in the same year.
Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, seized this opportunity. The 23-year-old Italian navigated a field of American challengers, a surging Jack Draper, and Daniil Medvedev, who had defeated him at Wimbledon. Sinner’s dominance was evident even amidst the controversy surrounding two failed drug tests earlier in the year, from which he was exonerated just days before the US Open. His triumph in Cincinnati, where he defeated Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Frances Tiafoe, solidified his position as a rising star.
Taylor Fritz, though, remained a formidable contender. His improved volleying skills, praised by none other than John McEnroe, were a sight to behold. He displayed remarkable composure and patience, particularly in the tiebreakers, to overcome Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal. In doing so, he recorded his fourth top-10 win at a Major this year, the most by an American man since Andre Agassi in 1999.
The semifinal clash pitted Fritz against his close friend, Frances Tiafoe, who sought to become the first Black American to reach the US Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972. A passionate crowd, energized by Tiafoe’s showmanship and his girlfriend’s savvy fan-engagement tactics, provided an electric atmosphere. Ultimately, Fritz’s superior court coverage and conditioning prevailed, securing a hard-fought victory and a place in the final.
However, Sinner’s experience and confidence in big matches proved too much for Fritz. The final was a showcase of Sinner’s superior movement, stamina, and shot selection. Despite a valiant effort from Fritz, who received a roaring ovation from the crowd, Sinner’s dominance was evident.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka overcame a history of heartbreaking US Open losses. She had lost in the final three consecutive years, and the weight of those defeats was evident. However, she entered the tournament with newfound confidence and a calmer demeanor, crediting her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, for his unwavering support. She had already won the Cincinnati Open, defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula en route to the title.
Sabalenka’s resilience was tested again in the semifinals against Emma Navarro, a rising American star who had already achieved a stunning upset over Sabalenka earlier in the year. The match was a tense battle, but Sabalenka ultimately prevailed, showcasing her mental toughness.
The final pitted Sabalenka against Jessica Pegula, a player on a personal comeback journey. Pegula had suffered a tragedy when her mother experienced a stroke, leaving her with brain damage and memory loss. This event, combined with a string of Grand Slam quarterfinal losses, had shaken her. However, she had undergone a coaching change and found her groove, reaching the final with a stunning comeback victory over Karolina Muchova.
The final was a clash of styles. Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and volatile emotions, was pitted against Pegula, a consistent and steady player. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players showcasing their strengths. Despite Pegula’s valiant efforts, Sabalenka’s power proved too much to handle, securing her first US Open title.
The 2024 US Open concluded with a sense of triumph for both Sinner and Sabalenka. They showed not only their exceptional talent but also their resilience in the face of adversity. Their victories provided a glimpse into the future of tennis, one filled with exciting competition and promising storylines.
