Taylor Fritz is preparing for his 10th appearance at the U.S. Open, this time carrying the distinction of being the reigning finalist, a milestone he achieved for the first time last year. The 2023 U.S. Open sees Fritz stepping onto the courts of Flushing Meadows with heightened expectations as he aims to capture the coveted title and end the long-standing drought for American men in major tennis championships.
Fritz’s Breakthrough at the 2022 U.S. Open
Last year, Fritz had the most impressive major performance of his career in New York, where he defeated high-ranked opponents such as Alexander Zverev and Frances Tiafoe to reach the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Although he ultimately fell to No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner in a three-set match, Fritz’s journey to the final marked a significant achievement, fulfilling a dream he had long pursued in his career.
Pressure and Anticipation Surround the Defending Finalist
With the spotlight intensified, fans are eager to see if Fritz can replicate or surpass his success from last season. The pressure is palpable as he prepares to face familiar and rising talents in Queens, with many anticipating whether this could be the year Fritz finally lifts the trophy. He shared his feelings ahead of the tournament, expressing excitement tinged with nerves, which he described as a natural reaction to competing on home soil in such a prestigious event.
“I always feel like I go into the U.S. Open [I’m] really excited, but with some nerves,” Fritz says. “It’s by far the biggest event for all the American guys. I have a lot of confidence there. I want to do well there. I’m excited to go back as the former finalist. I think it’s going to be great to be back on court there.”
—Taylor Fritz, Tennis Player
Fritz’s Rising Career and Recent Performances
Since last year’s runner-up finish, Fritz has made significant strides in his career, climbing to No. 4 in the ATP rankings. His outstanding 2023 season includes reaching the final of the ATP World Finals in November, again facing Jannik Sinner but falling short. On grass courts this year, Fritz claimed titles in Eastbourne and Stuttgart, bringing his career total to ten titles, and achieved a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon before being defeated by Carlos Alcaraz.
The Longstanding U.S. Open Title Drought for American Men
The ultimate challenge for Fritz and his compatriots remains breaking the streak of American men not winning a major since Andy Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open victory. Fritz’s 2022 final was historic, as he was the first American male to reach the U.S. Open final since Roddick in 2009, igniting hope that he might be the athlete to close this two-decade gap.
Drawing Inspiration from Andy Murray’s Journey
Fritz’s situation mirrors the pressure once experienced by Andy Murray at Wimbledon, where the British star attempted to end a 77-year wait for a homegrown champion. Murray’s path included an emotional loss in the 2012 final against Roger Federer, followed by his historic win the next year. Fritz’s trajectory, including his heartfelt apology to the American crowd after last year’s final, suggests a similar determination to keep striving toward the breakthrough.
“I’m just always trying to improve and get better and just go out and play and take care of my business and not worry too much about everything else,” Fritz says.
—Taylor Fritz, Tennis Player
Fritz’s Preparation and Confidence Heading into the 2023 U.S. Open
Coming into the tournament, Fritz has undergone a demanding hard-court season, gaining valuable match experience despite not always securing titles. He reached the quarterfinals at the Citi Open, semifinals at the Canadian Open—where he was eliminated by fellow American Ben Shelton—and competed through the round of 16 at the Cincinnati Open. These matches helped him develop confidence under physically challenging conditions.
“I’m feeling confident. As long as I’m feeling confident and good about my game, and go out and just really lock in and compete hard, then I feel pretty good about getting through a lot of matches early,” Fritz says.
—Taylor Fritz, Tennis Player
Potential Impact of Fritz’s Pursuit on American Men’s Tennis
Fritz’s effort to finally claim the U.S. Open title is significant for American men’s tennis, which has struggled to produce major champions for nearly 20 years. A victory would not only end the title drought but could also inspire a new generation of U.S. players hungry for success on the biggest stages. Whether Fritz secures the championship or gains further experience from his run, his continued presence in major draws signals a hopeful future for American tennis in global tournaments.