American tennis star Taylor Fritz achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating fourth seed Alexander Zverev with a score of 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), advancing to the semi-finals of the US Open for the first time.
Fritz’s victory showcases a significant moment for American men’s tennis, as the country has not seen a home champion in over two decades, with Andy Roddick last claiming the title 21 years ago. This win against Zverev, a former finalist, heightens the anticipation that this year’s tournament may conclude with a new champion.
Previously, Fritz had triumphed over Zverev in an intense five-set match at Wimbledon earlier this summer, and this time, the support of the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium propelled him to victory in four sets.
The 26-year-old Fritz is set to face either Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov or fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
The tightly contested opening set saw Zverev struggling initially, facing 0-40 while serving. Nevertheless, he fought back to force a tie-break, which Fritz ultimately secured.
Zverev responded with a stunning forehand shot, showcasing his skill and pushing the match intensity higher. He managed to break Fritz and level the match at one set each, but Fritz quickly retaliated in the third set, converting his first break point to take a decisive lead.
Despite Zverev’s attempts to mount a comeback, Fritz held strong, ultimately winning the third set and sealing the match in a tense fourth-set tie-break.
Post-match, Fritz expressed his belief that this was his moment, stating, “I’ve had a lot of looks at Grand Slam quarter-finals over the past couple of years, and today just felt different. It felt like it was my time to take it a step further.”
In another thrilling match, American player Emma Navarro claimed victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa, winning 6-2, 7-5, and securing her place in the semi-finals for the first time in her career.
Despite trailing 5-1 in the second set, Navarro displayed remarkable resilience, winning four consecutive points to regain momentum. She ultimately captured 24 of the final 28 points to stun Badosa.
Navarro, who previously eliminated defending champion Coco Gauff, dominated the first set and capitalized on a critical break in the second, advancing to represent her country in the semi-finals.
The 23-year-old Navarro is now among a select group of six players in the last 40 years to reach the US Open semi-finals without a previous main-draw victory in the tournament. She will next face either second seed Aryna Sabalenka or seventh seed Qinwen Zheng.
Reflecting on her win, Navarro noted, “Things weren’t looking great there in the second set, but I just tried to be really tough and stick in there.” She described her journey through the match as one bolstered by determination and a fighting spirit.
As the US Open progresses, all eyes will be on Fritz and Navarro as they aim for glory on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
