Taylor Fritz apologised to the US Open crowd after failing to end the hoodoo over American men at Grand Slams.
The world No. 12 became the first male from the United States to reach a Major final since 2009.
But he couldn’t get over the last hurdle and end the 21-year wait for an American champion as he lost to Jannik Sinner in straight sets in Sunday’s match.
This year’s US Open was a significant step for American tennis in the men’s game. The semi-final between Fritz and Frances Tiafoe meant a home player was guaranteed to reach the championship match. And Fritz came through.
But he was no match for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who won the last four games in a row to come through 6-3 6-4 7-5, lifting his second Grand Slam trophy. Andy Roddick is still the last American man to win a Major, with his sole victory coming at the 2003 US Open.
And Fritz apologised when he failed to end the drought. Addressing the 23,700-strong Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, he started: “Being an American at the US Open, it’s just an incredible feeling all week. Thank you so much. I know we’ve been waiting for a champion for a long time so I’m sorry I couldn’t get it done this time.”
But the fans didn’t mind, as they gave the 26-year-old a huge applause. When it finally died down, Fritz added: “But I’m going to keep working and hopefully I’ll get it the next time, so thank you.”
Fritz also congratulated Sinner for his second Grand Slam title victory before thanking his own team. “First off, congrats to Jannik, he played a great match. Congrats to his team, it’s honestly really impressive, he was too good so it’s amazing,” the top-ranked American said.
“I want to say thanks to my team. My coach Mike, Wolf, Morgan, my parents are here. My whole team. It’s amazing to have such a great support system around me. They really made this awesome. Also to my other coach Paul who’s not in my box today.”