The American dream is soaring high for Taylor Fritz. At the US Open, it’s the bark with a bite for the California native who is looking to end the US men’s Grand Slam drought this season. Having advanced to the event’s quarterfinals, the No. 12 seed has made a critical decision. A mistake, that the talented pro isn’t looking to make twice at Flushing Meadows.

Fritz had a roaring end to his fourth-round match at the Louis Armstrong Stadium on Sunday, September 1. The 26-year-old outgunned No. 8 seed Casper Ruud in a four-set thriller. Despite stumbling upon a slow start, Fritz held his nerve and capitalized on a crucial double fault by the Norwegian to conclude the showdown with his 24th ace and a score line of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. Following his triumph, the American made an honest admission.

Seeing that the No. 12 seed reached his second consecutive quarterfinal at the hardcourt event, Fritz acknowledged treading on a thin line. While the past two years have brought modest success in the American’s lap, his 2022 New York campaign ended prematurely after he crashed out in the second round. In hopes of circumventing those failed expectations, the American star has become cautious, judiciously not getting ahead of him before he reaches the final destination.

“I came into this tournament in 2022 saying I thought I could win it and I lost first round. So I think it’s good to just take it one match at a time and just focus on the person in front of you,” Fritz said during a post-match presser.

The American player will face Alexander Zverev, who has several weapons in his arsenal, which can send Fritz packing, and unable to move beyond the QF once again. However, Fritz has only dropped one set so far, therefore, the two will play a match which should not be missed.

However, there’s more. And it’s not pertaining to the American’s honest confession, but rather, achieving an elusive feat at the Flushing Meadows event.

Taylor Fritz becomes first American since Andy Roddick to reach QFs at three Grand Slam events

Let’s not overlook the fact that Taylor Fritz is having an amazing year. After all, reaching the quarterfinal stage at the US Open, amongst other achievements this season is no joke. He also avenged his four-set loss to Ruud at the French Open earlier this spring. But, what fans don’t know is that American great Andy Roddick enjoyed a similar season back in 2007.

17 years ago, Roddick also successfully reached the quarterfinals in three of four Grand Slam appearances. Much like Fritz, the former World No. 1 failed to register his dominance in Roland Garros that year. With the No. 12 seed’s latest conquest, he is now on par with Roddick, becoming the first American to reach the QF stage in three Majors since the latter’s feat in 2007. Though, unlike Fritz, the 42-year-old finished semifinalist and a runner-up in Australia and Wimbledon respectively, the former is looking to earn laurels in New York instead.

Aspiring to dig deep, Fritz needs to topple his upcoming rival first. The No. 12 seed is slated to lock horns with Alexander Zverev in the last eight on Tuesday, September 3.