The US Open has finally laid all its cards on the table, and it’s Jannik Sinner who walks away as the champion. While it’s a moment of triumph for the Italian dynamo, the American fans are left with a familiar feeling—another year passes without an ATP Grand Slam title coming home. The anticipation will now carry over into next season, as the battle for American tennis glory resets once again. And it’s not just the fans who are feeling the sting. The pain is equal, or rather, a lot more for Taylor Fritz!

After baffling against Sinner in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, Fritz looked teary-eyed as he headed for the post-match interview. The American star’s pain was justified as he was not only playing his home tournament but was also receiving immense support from the crowd that was roaring out loudly for him. As he faced the disappointment, he did not fail to express his true feelings.

Speaking in the interview, he thanked the crowd for their support throughout the season. Continuing further, he made an apology for letting their expectations down. “I know we have been waiting for a champion for a long time, so… I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time,” Fritz said. “I’m gonna keep working and hopefully I get it done next time,” he added. Fritz’s frustration can be justified given the major setbacks that American men’s tennis has faced lately.

Remember, Andre Agassi Pete Sampras, and Andy Roddick are the only American men who have won a grand slam in the 21st century. As Fritz advanced to the finals, the expectations were quite high for him with experts like Tim Henman expressing their clear support for the American star player. Interestingly, Fritz himself was quite motivated for the match.

Commenting about his opponent ahead of the match, Fritz shared that the pressure was less for him as compared to the semifinals. He faced compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a nail-biting encounter that extended to five sets. But against Sinner, the American was more confident. “I think I’ve always played well against Jannik. It’s been a while since we played, but last time he got me in three at Indian Wells. I don’t know. I think I typically play well against him.”

However, destiny seemed to be in Sinner’s favor for the match. As the Italian lifts the title, he also expressed his happiness over the new faces making their way onto the grand stages.

“It’s nice to see for the sport,” Jannik Sinner elated with the success of the new generation

Jannik Sinner did not just win his first title at the US Open, but also outshined several other players who were more experienced than him in the tournament. Interestingly, all four grand slams this year were shared between him and Carlos Alcaraz, who is emerging as the new face of the sport. 

Expressing his happiness over this fact, Sinner said, “It’s nice to see for the sport to see some new champions. The new generation, we push each other, trying to improve. Then obviously there are a lot of players who we first have to beat to play against the best players in the world.” This comes at a time when the tennis world is already resonating with the discussions about the future Big Three as legends of the sports preparing to make way for the new generation. 

For now, Sinner would be definitely enjoying the title, which would also give him some respite from the turbulent phase he has witnessed in the backdrop of his doping controversy.