Jannik Sinner secured his second Grand Slam title of 2024 on Sunday, dominating Taylor Fritz in the US Open final and dashing American hopes of a first male major champion in 21 years. The world number one, who claimed his maiden Slam at the Australian Open in January, became the first Italian man to win in New York with a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. For the 23-year-old Sinner, this marked his 55th match win of the season and his sixth title overall. Following his 21-year-old rival Carlos Alcaraz's triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon, which brought his major tally to four, the duo have solidified their status as the leading forces in tennis's emerging era.
"This title holds immense significance," said Sinner, who arrived in New York under a shadow after failing two drug tests but avoiding sanction. "The recent phase of my career has been challenging, but I have my team and family supporting me." He dedicated the trophy to his ailing aunt, a crucial figure in his life. "I love tennis, but there's also life beyond the court, and I want to dedicate this win to my aunt because her health is declining, and I don't know how much longer she'll be with us. She's been a very important part of my life and still is. It's wonderful to share this moment with her."
World number 12 Fritz aimed to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a major. He enjoyed A-list celebrity support in the 23,000-strong crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with pop queen Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce, among the spectators. Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey also made an appearance, sporting a Stars and Stripes headband.
"It's been an incredible two weeks. Congratulations to Jannik; he played an outstanding match. He was very impressive and simply too strong today," Fritz acknowledged. "I'm disappointed I couldn't clinch it, but I'll keep working hard, and I believe I'll succeed next time." Sinner quickly surged to a 2-0 lead in the first set before Fritz settled and leveled at 2-2. The 26-year-old American saved a break point after a grueling 23-shot rally in the fifth game but soon found himself trailing 4-3. Sinner capitalized with a third break to secure the opening set as Fritz's backhand sailed long.
Both players had only been broken a combined 20 times over six rounds prior to the final, showcasing their formidable serving prowess. This strength was evident in the second set, with the first nine games all ending in service holds. Sinner then created two set points, converting the first with a deep forehand that forced Fritz into a desperate scramble, resulting in a weak return into the net. By that point, Sinner had committed just nine unforced errors compared to Fritz's 19, highlighting his dominance on the court.
Fritz, the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Roddick at Wimbledon in 2009, saw three break points slip away in the first game of the third set. However, Sinner's fourth double fault of the match handed Fritz a 4-3 lead. With his back against the wall, the Italian top seed broke back in the 10th game as Fritz served for the set and held for 6-5. Sinner secured two championship points when Fritz's running forehand sailed high, and he sealed the victory when the American missed the net.
