Taylor Fritz enters this year’s U.S. Open with firm confidence despite a difficult track record against two of the top players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The American lost in straight sets to Sinner in last year’s U.S. Open final and has since been defeated twice more by the Italian, all on hard courts. Meanwhile, Fritz remains winless against Alcaraz in three career meetings, including a loss in the Wimbledon semifinal earlier this year.
Given Fritz’s overall 1-7 record versus these elite opponents, many might doubt his chances of capturing his first major title, as it is likely he will face one of them en route to a championship. Nevertheless, the World No. 4 refuses to see either player as invincible.
Fritz believes conditions can sway outcomes against dominant rivals
Expressing optimism about his prospects, Fritz emphasized that both Alcaraz and Sinner can be defeated, particularly when the conditions are favorable. He pointed out that modest factors—such as court speed or an opponent’s slight dip in form—can make a big difference in tennis matches.
“I think in the right conditions and the right, like if the court’s decent speed, I feel they’re both beatable,” Fritz said of Alcaraz and Sinner, via The Tennis Gazette. “In tennis, just the way tennis is, some people, there are small margins. You win the big points, someone’s having a really good serving day, a really good day, they’re a little bit off, like they’re very beatable.”
Confidence grounded in historic American tennis milestones
Fritz’s self-assurance is supported by his breakthrough achievements in American men’s tennis. Last year, he became the first American male to reach the U.S. Open final since Andy Roddick in 2006, and the first from the United States to contest a Grand Slam final since 2009. This marks a significant resurgence for American tennis on the international stage, underscoring Fritz’s potential to contend with the world’s best.
Even top champions can experience unexpected defeats
Fritz’s belief in the possibility of beating Alcaraz and Sinner also draws from recent examples of major upsets. For instance, Alcaraz was unexpectedly ousted in the second round of last year’s U.S. Open by unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp, illustrating that even the most dominant players can have off days.
Current favorites and the evolving landscape of men’s tennis
Both Alcaraz and Sinner have previously claimed the U.S. Open title—Alcaraz in 2022 and Sinner in 2024—but Sinner arrives as the clear favorite this year, given his strong recent performances on hard courts. These two have alternated winning the last seven Grand Slam tournaments, a streak that began at the 2024 Australian Open. A new champion in this year’s U.S. Open would break this recent pattern and signal a shift in men’s tennis competition.
What lies ahead for Fritz and the U.S. Open field
As the tournament unfolds, Taylor Fritz’s confidence will face practical tests against some of the toughest opponents in the sport. His belief in his ability to defeat Alcaraz and Sinner, despite previous losses, highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis, where match conditions and mental resilience play crucial roles. Success at the U.S. Open could not only mark a historic milestone for Fritz but also shake up the current hierarchy among the world’s best players.