{"id":72997,"date":"2024-09-06T14:30:43","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T18:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=72997"},"modified":"2024-09-06T13:05:49","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T17:05:49","slug":"is-fritz-the-man-to-break-the-us-mens-grand-slam-drought","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2024\/09\/06\/is-fritz-the-man-to-break-the-us-mens-grand-slam-drought\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Taylor Fritz the man to break the U.S. men\u2019s Grand Slam drought?"},"content":{"rendered":"

American Taylor Fritz has finally had his breakthrough moment, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal. He delivered an impressive display of tennis to beat Alexander Zverev, despite being the underdog. But this run isn’t unexpected; he\u2019s made it to at least the 4th round of every major in 2024. It was bound to happen at some point. But doing it at home makes it much more significant for the tennis world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Fritz rewrite history at the US Open?<\/h2>\n

Stagnancy and breakthrough<\/span><\/h4>\n

After a blistering start to his career, Fritz broke into the top 50 right after turning 21. Many American fans wondered if the California native would be the one to make American men\u2019s tennis great again. He continued making strides, winning his first ATP title and breaking into the top 30 the following year.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, as often happens, climbing the ladder further proved difficult for Taylor. Despite making his first ATP 500 final in Acapulco, Fritz had a losing record in 2020. And, in 2021, he endured another tough season, posting solid results but tearing his meniscus at Roland Garros \u2013although he made a miraculous recovery\u2013 and yet again failed to win a trophy. By this point, his status as a top-30 player was clear. But shadows of doubt began to cast over his chances of becoming a real contender for big tournaments.<\/span><\/p>\n

All that skepticism dissipated in 2022. Not only did he beat the then-undefeated Nadal at his home-state Master 1000, Indian Wells, to win his biggest title to date. He also claimed titles in Eastbourne and Tokyo. After a three-year drought, Fritz was now a four-time ATP champion, including a Masters 1000, and a top-10 player.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last year for Taylor Fritz was more about reaffirming his breakout season than anything. And he did so. Without a peak as high as winning a M1000, he won two more tournaments. And, remarkably, he was the first American to be in the top 5 since Roddick, establishing himself as the leading man of his generation from the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slam consistency and US Open 2024<\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite his accolades at 25, Fritz had only made the quarterfinals of a major once, at Wimbledon 2022. He was a great player, but few considered him capable of challenging for a Grand Slam. This year, besides adding two titles to his cabinet, Fritz\u2019s greatest achievement has been consistently going deep at majors: quarterfinals in Australia, fourth round at Roland Garros, and quarterfinals at Wimbledon. <\/span>The loss at the All England Club to Musetti was a missed opportunity, but the signs were there.<\/span><\/p>\n

And so, Taylor arrived in NY with high hopes, both from himself and the American fans and media, who wonder every year if this is the edition where an American can finally replicate Roddick\u2019s success in 2003.<\/span><\/p>\n

After an expected routine first-round victory against Carabelli, Fritz had the daunting task of facing Matteo Berrettini. The way he handled the Italian in straight sets was impressive, sending a strong warning. He then dispatched another Argentine in the third round in straight sets, finding himself in the fourth round of a Slam for the fourth time in 2024.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again the favorite, Fritz started a set down against former finalist Casper Ruud. But he rallied back against a struggling Norwegian to reach the quarterfinals. There, he faced his toughest opponent yet: Alexander Zverev.<\/span><\/p>\n

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