Taylor Fritz anticipates that his US Open final showdown against Jannik Sinner on Sunday will be less nerve-wracking than his previous encounter with fellow American Frances Tiafoe, as he expects to enter the match as the underdog against the world number one.

Fritz, currently the highest-ranked American at world number 12, secured his place in the final by defeating Tiafoe 4-6 7-5 4-6 6-4 6-1 in a grueling semi-final on Friday night. This victory marks a significant stride towards ending the United States' 21-year drought for a men's Grand Slam champion.

Having become the first US man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick's appearance at Wimbledon in 2009, Fritz expressed his eagerness to seize the opportunity for glory. "I've always enjoyed playing him (Sinner). Honestly, I don't believe I'll face a more stressful situation than I did today," Fritz shared with reporters.

"I feel today was far more stressful than playing in the final. I'm feeling positive. I have a sense that I'll perform exceptionally well and secure the win." The match followed Sinner's victory over Jack Draper, who was struggling with an injury, with a score of 7-5 7-6(3) 6-2. The weight of national expectations was heavily on the shoulders of the two American players.

"Both of us are determined to be the one to achieve this," Fritz remarked, noting his 6-1 head-to-head advantage over Tiafoe prior to the match. "I'm not approaching this thinking I'm the favorite because everything changes when you're in a match like this," he added, acknowledging Tiafoe's outstanding performance during the US Open.

Fritz's last meeting with Sinner ended in a three-set defeat in the quarter-finals at Indian Wells last year. He anticipates a formidable challenge against a player who has since claimed his first Grand Slam title by winning this year's Australian Open.

"He has a powerful strike, hits the ball with immense force, and is a remarkably strong ball striker, but I feel I always return his shots effectively," Fritz commented. "I believe I generally play well against him."