NEW YORK, USA: Jannik Sinner delivered a powerful performance to become the first Italian man to win the U.S. Open, defeating American Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 in Sunday’s final.
Sinner broke Fritz’s serve to clinch the title, celebrating amid cheers from Arthur Ashe Stadium, even though many had hoped for Fritz to end the 21-year U.S. men’s Grand Slam drought.
Sinner’s triumph was clouded by controversy, having tested positive twice for an anabolic agent in March. However, he avoided a ban after an independent tribunal accepted his explanation of unintentional contamination. Ignoring the controversy, Sinner focused on his game in New York and secured his second Grand Slam title after winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
Reflecting on his victory, Sinner said, “We just went day-by-day, trying to practice well… I understood how important the mental part is in this sport.”
Fritz struggled with 34 unforced errors, which proved costly. The crowd, including pop star Taylor Swift, tried to rally him with chants of “USA!” but Sinner’s consistency and tactical play, such as a perfectly placed drop shot, left Fritz with little chance to recover in his first major final.
