American No. 1 Taylor Fritz fended off Alexander Zverev 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) firing into his first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open. Fritz's victory was a testament to his resilience, particularly in the tiebreakers, where he displayed a remarkable ability to stay focused and execute under pressure.
Zverev's Backhand Breakdown
Zverev's normally reliable backhand was a major source of concern for him throughout the match. He committed a staggering 13 unforced errors off his trademark two-hander, a stark contrast to his usual consistency.
“I played terrible. I mean, serving and actually returning was actually okay,” Zverev admitted after the match. “From the baseline I played absolutely terrible. I don't know.
“My backhand, I don't remember since being on tour hitting my backhand this badly. I just don't. I mean, I was missing shots which were in the middle of the court with no pace, and bottom of the net. Terrible. Just absolutely terrible by me.”
Fritz's Dominance on the Baseline
Fritz's success in the match was attributed to his aggressive baseline play and ability to stay on top of the rallies. He consistently pressured Zverev with deep drives, forcing the German to play one more shot than he wanted. The 26-year-old Fritz, who edged Zverev, 4-6 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-3, at Wimbledon in July, is the first American man in a to defeat a Top 5 opponent in Flushing Meadows since Frances Tiafoe stunned No. 3 Rafael Nadal in the 2022 fourth round.
A Turning Point in the Third Set
The turning point of the match came in the third set. Fritz broke Zverev's serve for a 2-0 lead, showcasing his ability to capitalize on his opponent's weaknesses. Although Zverev fought back to level the set at 3-all, Fritz ultimately proved too strong, breaking Zverev again to claim the set and take a two sets to one lead.
A Tiebreaker Showdown
The fourth set was a tense affair, with both players holding their serve until the tiebreaker. Fritz quickly gained a commanding lead in the tiebreaker, ultimately sealing the match on his fourth match point.
Zverev's Frustration
Zverev was visibly frustrated after the match, acknowledging the poor quality of his backhand. He cited his lack of confidence in the shot, admitting that he had no idea whether to go for it or play it safe. His frustration was palpable, highlighting the pressure he felt during the match.
“At some point, I didn't know what to do anymore,” Zverev said. “At some point I just had so many questions in my mind. I had absolutely no idea whether I should go for it, whether I should put the ball [in] the court. Then I tried to put the ball [in] the court, it would go to the bottom of the net.
“A few shots I went for it, they flew. The thing is, I was missing shots by like six feet, regular baseline shots. I don't know.
“[Taylor] absolutely deserved to win today. I'm not taking anything away from him. He played quite a good match. I did nothing to deserve to win.”
Looking Ahead: The Semifinals
Fritz will now face either Frances Tiafoe or Grigor Dimitrov in the semifinals. If he defeats Tiafoe, it would be an all-American semifinal, a testament to the resurgence of American men’s tennis on the world stage. Regardless of his opponent, Fritz will be looking to continue his impressive run and reach the US Open final.
Zverev's Season
Despite the disappointing loss, Zverev has had a successful season, leading the ATP Tour in match wins. He finished as a runner-up at the French Open and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, showcasing his consistent excellence. He will be looking to bounce back from this loss and continue his strong performance in the remaining tournaments of the season.
Fritz's Breakthrough
Fritz's victory signifies a major milestone in his career. His first Grand Slam semifinal appearance is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to improving his game. He has clearly demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour, with the potential to challenge the top players in the world. This win is just the beginning for Fritz, who will surely continue to climb the rankings in the years to come. His journey to the US Open semifinals is a testament to his perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities. As Fritz heads into the semifinals, he carries with him the weight of expectation, the hopes of a nation, and the dream of a maiden Grand Slam title. The stage is set for Fritz to etch his name in the annals of tennis history, one match at a time.
