World number one Jannik Sinner was crowned US Open men's singles champion for the first time in his career thanks to a straight-sets win over Taylor Fritz in Sunday's final.
One day after another American in Jessica Pegula fell to Aryna Sabalenka's superiority in the women's singles final, the New York crowd saw another one of their cherished home favourites come out second best once again.
Sinner held off a late fightback from Fritz to prevail 6-3 6-4 7-5 in two hours and 16 minutes, writing even more chapters of history for Italian tennis, becoming the first man from his nation to both win the US Open and multiple Grand Slam tournaments.
The 23-year-old's preparations for Flushing Meadows had been overshadowed by his recent doping scandal, but he blocked out the noise throughout his two weeks in New York and hoisted the trophy aloft having dropped just two sets all fortnight.
After becoming the youngest man since Jimmy Connors in 1974 to win the Australian and US Opens in one season, Sinner dedicated his success to his ill aunt, revealing that he did not know how much time he had left with his loved one.
"I love tennis, I practice a lot for these stages but I realise that there is a life I would like to dedicate this to. My aunt is not feeling well health-wise and I don't know how much longer I have her in my life," Sinner said during his trophy presentation.
"It's nice I can still share these moments with her. She is an important person in my life and still is. If there was a wish I could make I would wish good health on everyone but unfortunately it's not possible."
How did Sinner dominate Fritz in US Open final?
The moment Jannik Sinner became the US Open champion 🤩 pic.twitter.com/80Eo8lN3jr
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) September 8, 2024
The signs were ominous from the beginning for first-time Slam finalist Fritz, who was broken straight off the bat in his opening service game, but the American clawed his way back to level terms at 2-2 in an early trade of blows.
Fritz managed to back up his break back, but he had only poked the Sinner bear and subsequently lost four straight games to the top seed, not helped by double faults and unforced errors at crucial moments.
Sinner wrapped up the first set in style before being given a tougher run for his money in the second, but after four hard-fought holds, Fritz's backhand let him down in the 10th game as the unflappable Sinner inched closer to glory.
The die was seemingly cast as Sinner and Fritz exchanged three holds apiece in the third set, but the American sparked hope of a phenomenal fightback with a break in the seventh game before holding for a 5-3 lead.
However, Fritz fatally lost his composure - and his serve - when it mattered most in the 10th game, and while attempting to at least force a third-set tie-breaker, the final epic rally concluded with the 12th seed netting a forehand on match point.
In the presence of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Sinner won a magnificent 88% of points behind his first serve and saved five of the seven break points that Fritz brought up, while converting six of his 12 chances against the home favourite.
Ben Knapton
