American tennis fans have to be ecstatic about how US Open is taking shape
By Lee Vowell
Two decades ago, Americans were used to seeing American men compete for titles at the US Open. Between 1990 and 2003, Americans won the event eight times. Since 2006, though, no American has even made the final. That is certain to change in 2024, however.
On Tuesday, both Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe won their quarterfinal matches to set up a semifinal showdown. Clearly, Tiafoe or Fritz have to lose on Friday in the semi, but that means one of them will push through to Sunday's final. One can only imagine how electric the New York crowd will be for the final.
Tiafoe made his second semifinal at the US Open by defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals. He also made the semis in 2022 before falling to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets. While he has not taken home the trophy, Tiafoe does have to have confidence that he can win. Last year he made the quarterfinals so he is used to a level of success.
Either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe are assured of making the US Open final
Dimitrov, one of the nicest players on the ATP tour, was forced to retire in the fourth set and down 1-4. Tiafoe looked well on his way toward winning the match, but no one wants to finalize a victory with their opponent being forced to retire after getting hurt.
Fritz won his quarterfinal over Alexander Zverev in four sets. The American's serve was fantastic and when his level seemed to drop a bit, he was still able to win the big moments. Both Fritz and Tiafoe look capable of defeating whomever they might face in the final. If they do, it would mark the first time an American man has won the US Open since 2003 when Andy Roddick won in New York.
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The other semifinal has not been decided yet as Alex de Minaur will play Jack Draper and Daniil Medvedev will take on Jannik Sinner in the two other quarterfinal matches.
American women also still have a chance to win in New York. Emma Navarro is through to the semifinals where she will play Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday. Jessica Pegula plays a quarterfinal match against top-seed Iga Swiatek on Wednesday.
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