The U.S. Open men’s finals are set, with Taylor Fritz taking on the Italian, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Fritz reached the finals after rallying from a 2-1 deficit entering the fourth set to defeat fellow American Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
As for Sinner, he needed just three sets to dispatch Great Britain’s Jack Draper, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.
The Italian Sinner has been almost unbeatable on hard court, losing just twice in 34 matches in 2024.
His improved conditioning is a big reason for his recent success.
Earlier this year, we saw him battle back from a two-set deficit against Daniil Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open to win his first Grand Slam.
Though Fritz should have the support of a pro-American crowd behind him, nerves and fatigue will almost certainly be an issue.
Against Tiafoe, Fritz lost the first set despite jumping out to a 3-0.
Fritz was practically out on his feet until an epic 31-shot rally during the fourth set left Tiafoe looking completely spent, which he’d later attribute to his body cramping up.
Recovery will be critical for Fritz, who also exerted a ton of energy in the match.
Sinner will undoubtedly use his heavy forehand to get Fritz moving side to side, putting his fitness to the test.
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The American can be slow to switch up his game, because he often took up deep positions on the baseline to combat Tiafoe’s serve.
Sinner won over 74 percent of the points on his first and second serve against Draper.
Look for him to start fast by taking the first set and ultimately going on to win his second Grand Slam.
The play: Sinner to win first set and match (-163 at Bet365)