NEW YORK — Jannik Sinner cemented his status as one of tennis’s rising stars on Sunday, defeating Taylor Fritz in straight sets to capture his second Grand Slam title of 2024 at the US Open.
The 23-year-old Italian, ranked world No. 1, became the first man from his country to triumph at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, clinching a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory over the 21-year-old American.
Sinner’s triumph ended a 21-year drought for U.S. men at their home major, dashing the hopes of the raucous home crowd who had cheered on the 12th-ranked Fritz in his bid to become the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2003 to win a Grand Slam title.
“This title means so much to me,” an elated Sinner said after the match. “It’s been a challenging period, but I have my team and family who have supported me every step of the way.”
The young Italian’s victory comes just eight months after he claimed his maiden Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open in January, and cements his status alongside Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz as the powerhouses of tennis’s new generation.
Alcaraz, 21, has enjoyed a remarkable campaign of his own, capturing the French Open and Wimbledon titles to take his majors tally to four, but Sinner’s triumph in New York ensures the duo will continue to battle for supremacy in the years to come.
For Fritz, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, with the American unable to capitalize on the vocal support of the star-studded crowd, which included pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce.
“Jannik played an incredible match today,” the 12th-ranked Fritz acknowledged. “He was too good, and I couldn’t get it done. But I’ll keep working, and I know I’ll have another chance.”
With his 55th match win of the season and sixth title, Sinner’s triumph in New York marks a significant milestone in the burgeoning career of one of tennis’s brightest young talents.
