Mixed Feelings Cloud ‘Disappointed’ Taylor Fritz as He Still Mulls Over His Shocking US Open Loss to Jannik Sinner

“I’m pretty upset with how I played,” said Taylor Fritz, who couldn’t cruise past Jannik Sinner in the 2024 US Open final. Fritz was no stranger to Sinner’s gameplay, having played him twice before (defeating once at 2021 Indian Wells). Moreover, he was ready to be the first American man to win a grand slam in the last 21 years. But his straight-set loss against World No. 1 compelled him to say, “I feel like I almost let a lot of people down.” However, as the dust has settled now, Fritz is trying to rediscover his footing on-court and introspect on a “disappointing” result in New York.

Taylor Fritz’s current destination is Berlin. There, after a first-round 6-4, 7-5 victory against Alexander Zverev, he is all set to face Carlos Alcaraz next in the Laver Cup. However, during a post-match conference, the 26-year-old had to face the inevitable question, “Which feeling does prevails right now, happiness that you made it to the final (in the US Open) or still disappointment?”

In his response, Fritz acknowledged the progress he’s made and the opportunities that lie ahead and said, “I’m happy I made it to the final. Take a step back and look at for my year puts me in a great spot for the race, puts me in a great spot for the rankings.”

Fritz, who entered New York as the 12th seed, has now re-entered the top 10 rankings (No. 7) after the tournament. Gradually moving towards his best ranking (No. 5), which he achieved in February after he won the Delray Beach Open last year. “I can’t sit on it for too long. It’s important that I build off of it. That is why I am really happy that I came out today, and played a great match” said the eight-singles title winner, recognizing the importance of capitalizing on his US Open final-round run.

However, a tinge of regret still lingers in his head, as he further stated, “I am always going to look back at it” and “be disappointed” and also not feel “disappointed.” “Because, necessarily, I lost, just disappointed, I think I could’ve played a lot better at times.”

The 2024 Australian Open quarterfinalist had a strong start to the season and even played his first Tour-level clay-court final in Munich, ultimately getting back to the American No. 1 position. Moreover, his semifinal round entry in the Paris Olympics and winning a bronze medal also propelled him to more success. Although he improved his 2024 US Open performance as compared to last year (where he entered the QF), Fritz looks forward to refining his skills even more.

“I’m going to keep working and hopefully I’ll get it done next time,” he said after the match in New York. Moreover, he also reflected on how Sinner’s remarkable performance and his growth in tennis troubled him during the clash.

Taylor Fritz reflects on Sinner’s “massive improvements” after his US Open loss

After Taylor Fritz defeated Sinner in the 2021 Indian Wells, the Italian took his revenge in 2023 on the same ground, winning against Fritz in the QFs (6-4, 4-6, 6-4). Sinner has steadily climbed up the ladder of success after that, and now he is at the No. 1 spot in tennis, with two grand slams in his bag. Talking about his improvement over the years, Taylor Fritz said, “The serve and the movement, massive improvements.”

Furthermore, the American player added, “I felt in 2021 I could get myself in points off of his first serve every time. Then it was much easier to hurt him from the ground, as well. So he’s much faster, a lot better out of the corners. His serve is really good now.”

Taylor Fritz has now shifted his focus to Berlin, where he represents Team World, and is looking for his career’s second matchup(first in the 2023 Miami Open QF) against Alcaraz. And with his sight set on the top, he is ready to move past the US Open defeat!