As the curtain prepares to fall on the final Grand Slam of the year, the excitement is far from over. Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz are all set to lock horns, and the stakes can’t be higher. With both players eyeing the prestigious US Open title, fans are already on the edge of their seats. But it’s not just the fans feeling the heat—pundits are throwing their hats in the ring too, each with their own prediction of who will reign supreme. And joining the conversation with a bit of a curveball is former British tennis player Tim Henman.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Henman expressed his support for the American tennis star against the Italian dynamo. Despite the recent success and glorious achievements that Sinner has achieved which also include the Australian Open title, the former pro seems to be vouching against him. Expressing his support for Fritz, Henman said, “I have got a funny feeling. I think the less he thinks about it, almost the better.” Continuing further, he added, “I really wouldn’t be surprised if he creates the upset today.” Interestingly, Henman’s prediction cannot be neglected completely. 

Sinner is facing a turbulent time owing to the doping controversy that he has found himself in. At Indian Wells, he tested positive twice for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol, which is a banned anabolic steroid. However, the ruling of the independent tribunal went in his favor. Despite that, he has received widespread flak from the tennis community with many experts and players taking a jibe at him. While Sinner has looked unfazed so far, the pressure of the final will be something else. Henman is backing Fritz and the American star is himself pretty confident about playing Sinner as well.

Speaking ahead of the final, Fritz shared that the pressure on him against Sinner will be less than what he experienced in the semifinal. The 26-year-old faced compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a nail-biting encounter that extended to five sets. But against Sinner, the American seems to be 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.”

Despite the remarks of Henman and the support of the home crowd, Sinner will be a tough nut to crack for Fritz.

“I’m gonna accept that” – Jannik Sinner unmoved by the partisan crowd in New York

Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz have faced each other twice so far on the tennis courts. Interestingly, both encounters came at the Indian Wells. While Fritz won the first encounter in 2021, Sinner managed to avenge it in 2023. As the two players prepare to face yet again, Sinner is expected to witness an additional challenge from the crowd, who will be supporting the local boy, Taylor Fritz.

Speaking about the crowd, Sinner said, “The atmosphere is what it’s going to be. I mean, we are in America, we are in New York playing against an American, so it’s going be the crowd a little bit more on their side. But it’s normal. It’s like when I play in Italy. So I’m gonna accept that.” Continuing further, he also expressed his happiness to be in the finals of a “special tournament.”

While only time will tell if Henman’s prediction becomes a reality or not, the match will surely turn out to be one of the most electrifying encounters. Who do you think will win?