Taylor Fritz makes big rankings move after emotional US Open win against Alexander Zverev
Taylor Fritz didn’t try to hide his joy as he finally secured a place in his first Grand Slam semi-final with a thrilling win against Alexander Zverev at the US Open.
Fritz ended his quarter-final hoodoo by reaching the last four of the US Open with a 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) over Zverev in front of an enthralled crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In what is proving to be a successful US Open for American players, Fritz is flying the flag for the United States and has eyes on becoming the first men’s home champion in New York since Andy Roddick 21 years ago.
With Novak Djokovic going out in the third round, the section of the draw has opened up and Fritz admits he felt his moment to shine on a Grand Slam stage had finally arrived.
Offering up an insight into his emotions after he lost his first three Grand Slam quarter-finals, it was clear that Fritz had to overcome big doubts to claim victory against Zverev.
“I’ve had a lot of looks at Grand Slam quarter-finals over the past couple of years, and today just felt different,” he said.
“I really felt like it was my time to take it a step further.
“It’s only fitting I’m doing it here at this court, at the US Open in front of this crowd.
“You get to a point at the top of the game where your serve comes at you a little more, so I’ve worked on adding so much to my game.
“I’ve been trying to come to the net a little bit, to make some drop shots, and add stuff to my game so I can back up my serve a little better.”
American stars Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe have also made good progress at this year’s US Open, but Fritz’s run to the semi-finals gives him a huge boost in his bid to re-establish himself as US No 1.
The win against Zverev moves Fritz up to No 11 in the live ATP Rankings and comfortably ahead of Paul, Sebastian Korda and Shelton in the race to finish the US Open as America’s top ranked player.
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Only a win in Sunday’s final for Tiafoe can now deny Fritz the position of US No 1 at the end of the final Grand Slam of the year and he will fancy his chances of making a return to the top ten of the ATP Rankings by winning his semi-final.
Former British No 1 Tim Henman had backed Zverev to win the US Open and his prediction was looking good after the shock exits of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Yet this was Fritz’s day and Henman was quick to congratulate the American on Sky Sports Tennis.
“Fritz thoroughly deserves it,” declared Henman.
“This is where he’s learnt from his previous failures in quarter-finals, and he really looked like he was prepared to step up, take more risks, be more aggressive, play closer to the baseline.
“In the important moments, he was able to find the solutions. He thoroughly deserves to be through, and looking at his reaction, he doesn’t want to stop now.
“Zverev is a great competitor, but today he looked almost a little bit passive. He looked like he was hoping Fritz was going to miss and that Fritz was going to lose the match. That wasn’t the case.
“Zverev has got to be more aggressive and look to take the match by the scruff of the neck. Look to his the big shots and back himself.”
