American tennis star Taylor Fritz achieved a career milestone, reaching his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open after defeating fourth seed Alexander Zverev in a thrilling four-set match. Fritz, the highest-ranked American, won 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing his place in the final four on home soil.
The 26-year-old Fritz displayed resilience throughout the match, refusing to let opportunities slip by. Despite struggling with unforced errors on key break points, he maintained composure, utilizing his powerful serve and aggressive forehand to keep Zverev on the defensive. Fritz's determination ultimately paid off, overcoming his long-time rival in an intense battle.
Zverev, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, entered the match as the favorite but failed to capitalize on crucial moments. Although he hit more winners than Fritz—52 in total—Zverev retreated behind the baseline in the critical stages, hoping for errors that never came.
This win comes at a pivotal time for American men’s tennis. With Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz both eliminated early, the tournament has opened up for new contenders. Fritz leads a group of promising US players, including Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe, seeking to break the 20-year Grand Slam drought for American men.
In the women’s draw, Emma Navarro continued her impressive run by defeating Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5, reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final.
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