(New York) Taylor Fritz nearly choked when he learned he had reached the final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
His explanation: “I cry at happy endings in movies, but not at sad things. I’m just like that.”
Imagine how the 26-year-old Californian would react if he were to lift the trophy by beating world number one Jannik Sinner of Italy on Sunday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He would become the first American to win a Grand Slam title in 21 years.
PHOTO MIKE FREY, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES, PROVIDED BY REUTERS
“I cry at happy endings in movies, but not at sad things. That’s just the way I am,” Taylor Fritz said after reaching the final of the US Open tennis tournament.
“I feel like I’m going to play really well and win,” said Fritz, 12.e seeded on Friday after coming from behind to beat compatriot Frances Tiafoe in five sets. He will be appearing in a major tournament final for the first time in his career.
When I play good tennis, I think that level is enough to win.
Taylor Fritz
How big a presence is Fritz in the final at Flushing Meadows? The last time an American played in the final match of a Grand Slam tournament was in 2009, when Andy Roddick was eliminated by Roger Federer at Wimbledon.
The last time an American was in the final in the United States was in 2006, when Roddick was – again – eliminated by Federer. The last triumph by an American came in New York, in 2003, when Roddick defeated Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“There’s nothing I’d love more than for an American to win on Sunday,” Roddick said on the latest episode of his podcast. “I get a little bit of anxiety every time they have to answer [à une question sur cette disette]. »
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Andy Roddick in 2009
It is indeed a real drought for a country that has produced so many champions over the decades.
Armed with a formidable serve and forehand and working on improving other aspects of his game, Fritz said he was excited to face Sinner.
“I feel like I always hit the ball really well against his shots,” Fritz said. “I usually play well against him.”
Sinner remains the clear favorite, however. He won the Australian Open earlier this year and is 34-2 on hard courts this season (Fritz is 19-7).
PHOTO ROBERT DEUTSCH, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES, PROVIDED BY REUTERS
Jannik Sinner
Sinner’s performances on the court were not affected by a doping scandal for which he was cleared.
“He’s so consistent. His intensity. His speed. He’s got almost no weaknesses,” Draper said of Sinner after losing to him in the semifinals. “He’s able to be there from point to point and step up when he needs to.”
When a reporter pressed him to identify a weakness in Sinner, Draper joked.
“A weakness?” he asked. “He doesn’t have many. One? I don’t know. Maybe he’s too nice!”