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Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner demonstrated exactly why he is the leading light of men’s tennis on Sunday at the 2024 US Open when the Italian defeated American No. 1 Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 to claim his first US Open title.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open

Sinner spoiled the local crowd’s party at Arthur Ashe Stadium with relentless power throughout, finishing his Grand Slam season with his second major title of the year and his career.

 

“I did quite well, I guess,” Sinner began his victory speech with a smile, becoming the first Italian men’s singles champion at the US Open.

 

“This title means a lot because the last period of my career has not been easy. I love tennis, I practice a lot for these stages. I understood, especially in this tournament, how important the mental part is in this sport. I am very happy, very proud to share this moment with my team.”

 

In front of a crowd full of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Dustin Hoffman, Anna Wintour, and Matthew McConaughey, Sinner darted from side to side before striking a backhand down the line on the very first point. It was a statement, and one he continued to reinforce throughout more than two hours of action on the US Open’s main court.

Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open

A break and a love hold put Sinner 2-0 up. Fritz, competing in his first Grand Slam final, focused on baseline rallies and took advantage of a forehand volley at the net to lead 3-2. The home favorite withstood a barrage from Sinner to prevail in a 23-shot exchange, showcasing the World No. 12’s ability. But not for long.

 

Sinner produced a delicate backhand drop shot to secure a 4-3 break advantage and played with too much intensity for Fritz to handle, claiming the first set.

 

In the second set, Sinner soared to his left, reminiscent of his childhood skiing days in the Dolomites, to leap into the air and hit an inside-out backhand winner. The World No. 1 threatened to pull away, but Fritz held firm, with the pressure gradually mounting as he served second in each turn. There were no chances for either competitor until 5-4. Sinner’s depth, direction, and fierce speed told the story. He unleashed a devastating redirected backhand, Fritz slid to his right, but his extended arm could not handle the force. In an instant, the World No. 1 was up two sets.

Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open

Eight months ago in Melbourne, Sinner tasted Grand Slam glory for the first time, coming back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev. For Fritz, matching that feat was too great a task, even after reaching 0-40 in the opening game. Sinner gave the World No. 12 no trace, dictating the next five points to escape the danger.

 

Facing a pair of break points at 3-2, Fritz was a wall of resilience in a 21-shot exchange. With a bit more power in his shots, the American got the crowd involved to restore parity. A combination of lob and smash from Fritz in the rally of the match drew an electric reception from the absorbed Ashe crowd, and the athleticism of the World No. 12 at the net provided the catalyst for a 5-3 scoreline.

 

But once again, Sinner showed why he has the No. 1 next to his name, maintaining his composure and determination to “Forza!” his way to glory with a spectacular finish.

 

Two hard court Grand Slam titles this year, both collected by the man nicknamed ‘The Fox.’ Sinner has solidified his status as the best in men’s tennis. For the rest of 2024, the chasing pack will try to figure out how to unsettle this complete and orderly athlete in decisive duels. Looking ahead to 2025, what is the formula to topple Sinner in five sets? It’s becoming increasingly difficult to decipher, based on the evidence of this fortnight’s clinical final demonstration.

Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open

Joining Jimmy Connors (1974) and Guillermo Vilas (1977), Sinner is the third man in the Open Era to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.

 

“Incredible, isn’t it? So many great triumphs for me this season. Starting with Australia and playing so well there, which gave me confidence up to now,” added the ambitious 23-year-old. “The work never stops. I know I can still improve. As we saw today, a couple of things.

 

“You have to be proud of what you have. The rest, you have to go for it and work for it. I can’t wait for my ongoing process.”

 

In the 21st century, only the ultra-dominant trio of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal, as well as Carlos Alcaraz, have won multiple major titles in the same season. Now, Sinner can be added to that list. The 23-year-old is quickly building his own Hall of Fame career.

Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open
Jannik Sinner became the first italian to win the US Open / Photo via US Open

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