We’re guaranteed an American finalist in the 2024 US Open. Who will it be?
Frances Tiafoe deserves a ton of credit for knocking off players like Ben Shelton, Alexei Popyrin and Grigor Dimitrov, but looks like a cakewalk compared to what Fritz has dealt with in Flushing Meadows. He had to face an in-form Matteo Berrettini in the second round (won in straight sets), three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud in the round of 16 (won 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2), and Alexander Zverev, who has been as good as anyone all throughout 2024 (won 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3)).
Fritz has reached a level that Tiafoe hasn’t in this tournament. He is dialed in with his serve, and he seems to come up with big deliveries even when he backs himself into trouble. But it’s his returning and baseline play that have allowed him to get further than ever at a major. Fritz is doing a really good job of using his length to get serves back, and his movement along the baseline has been remarkable. Fritz used to be a bit stiff on the court, but he has worked hard to become a player that can win long points. He is also extremely dangerous from both wings now, which will be vital against Tiafoe.
