The 2024 US Open has delivered scintillating matches featuring world-class tennis across the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds. The three-week tournament culminated in what will be the most significant American men’s tennis match in 15 years. No. 12 seed Taylor Fritz squares off against No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe for a spot in the 2024 US Open final. The winner of this semifinal bout will be the first American man to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Andy Roddick in 2009.
As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for this blockbuster battle. Shane Black, Yesh Ginsburg, Ismael Gonzalez, Jordan Reynolds, and Ateet Shrivastava offer their insights. But who will advance to Sunday’s final?
US Open Semifinal Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Frances Tiafoe
Shane
American men’s tennis fans have been waiting for a moment like this for nearly two decades. After shaking off a few early nerves, I expect this match to become an instant classic. Fritz has dominated this head-to-head, winning nine of the ten sets they have played since 2020. That said, Tiafoe knows how to work the crowd, which will be a significant boost in front of a frantic Ashe crowd. This match could go either way, but I give the slight edge to Fritz and the free points his serve affords him.
Prediction: Fritz in 5
Yesh
By all rights, Tiafoe should be the better player in this matchup. He hits the ball cleaner and moves around these courts better. And yet, Fritz seems to have his number. Every bit of history between these two indicates that Fritz throws his countryman off his game. Why would this match be any different?
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Ismael
It still sounds surreal, but the 2024 US Open will finally have an American man in the final for the first time since 2006. Tiafoe has done great in reaching this stage for the second time since 2022, but he has two major problems. First, he will not be able to count on a hostile environment for his opponent, and he won’t be able to feed from the crowd support like he always does. Second, and more crucial, Fritz absolutely dominates this matchup. Tiafoe has not had to beat an opponent of Zverez’s status and quality, and Fritz did so extremely convincingly, showing a level that an overpowered Tiafoe likely cannot match. This is Taylor’s semifinal to lose.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Jordan
Tiafoe has lost his last six matches against Fritz. Of course, a US Open semifinal is a unique occasion, and Tiafoe always seems to produce his best tennis in New York. However, how difficult a matchup this has been for Tiafoe is still notable. Fritz usually has the edge on serve and dominates the forehand-to-forehand rallies. I think he can do that again on the big stage to reach his first Grand Slam final.
Prediction: Fritz in 4
Ateet
A blockbuster US Open semifinal for all American fans and a guarantee that one local player will be in the final. Fritz has stayed consistent all year and played a great match against Zverev, while Tiafoe has caught fire since the North American hardcourt swing began. This match will be a massive opportunity for both players to make a serious career breakthrough.
Interestingly, Fritz has dominated this matchup over the years and won six matches against Tiafoe. Fritz has maintained a consistent level of performance, whereas Tiafoe’s level has fluctuated during matches. However, Tiafoe’s high level is enough to trouble anyone, and that is what he hopes to bring against his compatriot. Fritz is the favourite, but I think Tiafoe will be up for it, and his variety can disrupt Fritz.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 5
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – Imagn Images
