“The reason why I work so hard” - Taylor Fritz fights back tears as he becomes first American man in 18 years to reach US Open final

Taylor Fritz got emotional as he fought back tears while talking about becoming the first American man to reach the final of the US Open in 18 years since Andy Roddick in 2006. The World No. 12 defeated compatriot Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller to achieve the feat.

Fritz came into Flushing Meadows on the back of two disappointing early exits at the Canadian Masters and the Cincinnati Masters. However, he found his rhythm at the New York Major. Fritz had a scintillating start to his campaign by defeating Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Matteo Berrettini, and Francisco Comesana in his first three rounds, all in straight sets.

The American then ousted eighth seed Casper Ruud in a four-setter in the fourth round. He registered another four-set win over fourth seed Alexander Zverev to reach his maiden Grand Slam semifinals.

The 26-year-old took on his friend Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals and the two men put on a brilliant display of tennis, which ended with Fritz coming out on top 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in three hours and 18 minutes, The win made him the first American man since Andy Roddick to reach the final of the US Open.

During the on-court interview, Taylor Fritz was asked by Christopher Eubanks how he felt about achieving the feat to which an emotional Fritz responded that this was the reason why he worked so hard. He tried hard to fight back tears and said that he was in the final of the US Open with some relief on his face.

"I mean, it's, it's the reason why I do what I do. It's the reason why I work so hard. It's, I mean (tears up), I'm in the finals, the US open," Taylor Fritz said.

Incidentally, the last American man to play a Grand Slam final was also Andy Roddick, who lost to Roger Federer at the 2009 Wimbledon Champions. He was also the last American man to win the US Open title in 2003.

"I'm gonna give everything I possibly have" - Taylor Fritz gears up for his 2024 US Open final against Jannik Sinner

Fritz in action (Source: Getty)

Christopher Eubanks also asked Taylor Fritz his thoughts about facing World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2024 US Open. The Italian defeated 25th seed Jack Draper 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2 in the semifinals.

The American said that being in the final was a dream come true. He added he would give his all and couldn't wait to get into action.

"Like I said, it's, it's a dream come true," Fritz said.

"I'm in the final, so I'm gonna come out and I'm gonna, I'm gonna give everything I possibly have and I know that's for that for a fact, I'm gonna, I'm gonna give it everything I can possibly give it, so I can't wait," he added.

Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner have faced each other twice so far, with both clinching a win each. Both their meetings came at the Indian Wells Masters and while Fritz won in 2021, Sinner got his revenge in 2023.