Unstoppable Fritz yet again sails through to the QF of the US Open! Taylor Fritz beat the 2022 US Open finalist Casper Ruud by 3-6,6-4,6-3,6-2 in the R16 in just 2 hours and 44 minutes. This is his third Top 10 triumph at the major tournaments. Not only that, this win has also put him into the fifth Grand Slam QF in his career and the third in the 2024 season. What an achievement! The American just loves breaking records. Just a few days ago, he broke Andre Agassi’s record. Can he now break Andy Roddick’s 21-year-old record? Well, Fritz has already broken one of his records in this tournament and he’d surely love to get his hands on the other one too!

Taylor Fritz has become the first American man to reach three Grand Slam QFs in the same season. Andy Roddick previously achieved this feat in 2007. Interestingly, seventeen years ago, Roddick also failed to make it to the QF of the French Open, drawing a striking comparison with the 26-year-old.

Fritz also succumbed to defeat in the QF of the 2024 French Open by Casper Ruud. Now that Fritz has exacted his revenge on the Norwegian tennis star, the future looks to be promising for the American star. He outlined his ambitions for the marquee event after highlighting his change in mentality now that he has amassed considerable experience in his career.

During an interview Fritz said, “I think in the past I’ve been very, very excited, very happy to make quarterfinals at Slams. I think I’m at the point now where I’m still happy to make quarterfinals—but I wouldn’t be happy with it ending there. I definitely am at the point where I really want more than that.” Nevertheless, going deep into the tournament and winning the whole thing is not the only thing on his mind.

The 26-year-old tennis star has a special knack for chasing Andy Roddick’s records. For example, last year he became the first American men’s tennis player to be ranked inside the Top 5 since Andy Roddick (September 2009). So that begs the question. What does Roddick think about the chances of an American star breaking his 21-year-old record at the 2024 US Open?

Andy Roddick promotes healthy jealousy as Taylor Fritz eyes history

American men’s tennis players have played some exceptional tennis over the past few months. Five of them are already in the Top 20 and three out of those five are still alive at the 2024 US Open! Speaking on the chances of American men at this year’s US Open, Roddick said, “We have 25% of the Top 20 men [in the world rankings]. That’s a big deal. It seems like they have kind of this healthy jealousy where they all get along, they all respect each other, they all support each other. But also, I feel there’s a little bit of FOMO if someone makes a run to the semis. I hope someone breaks out in a big way.” Roddick looked quite optimistic about the prospect of a current-generation star usurping his record. What does Taylor Fritz think of his chances of breaking Roddick’s 21-year-old record?

During an interview with CBS, Taylor Fritz revealed, “If it’s me who ends it, then that’s like my life’s dream basically, so it would mean everything to me.” However, he chooses to tread caution because of a painful memory. In 2022, when he said he could win the title, he ended up losing in the R1. So for him, it’s now better to take “one match at a time“. He admitted that players don’t talk about these stats but are well aware of the fact and use it as a motivation. The American men’s tennis players strongly believe one of them can win it and break the jinx this year.

Although Fritz (12) is currently the top-ranked American men’s tennis player, he’s quite aware of the capabilities of his fellow countrymen. Speaking about Frances Tiafoe, he said, “Just being at the US Open, that’s one thing that Frances does so well; he is a big tournament player.” Tommy Paul is also one of his best friends on the tour. Fritz revealed that he’s impressed with the way Paul has improved over the years. He loves the way he has now brought consistency to his game. All three of these tennis stars are still well alive in this tournament. Do you think anyone among these can break Andy Roddick’s record at the major event?