This year’s US Open will go down into the history books as one of the most unpredictable in the history of the tournament. The pre-favorites Carlos Alcaraz and defending Champion Novak Djokovic crashed out early which paved the way for other players to record amazing performances in New York. Now we are into the last four – the eye for the crown has become near and no player is looking to make a mistake. Let’s preview the two fascinating matches awaiting the fans.
Frances Tiafoe vs Taylor Fritz
History in waiting as Frances Tiafoe will battle with Taylor Fritz in the American semi-finals in the US Open. For the first time in 18 years, America will be represented in the men’s US Open final. The last player to achieve that feat was Andy Roddick who lost in the final to Roger Federer. He remains the last American though to lift the title having won it back in 2023. To reach the last four, Tiafoe received a walkover after his opponent Grigor Dimitrov suffered an injury in the fourth round. Throughout the en route to the semi-finals, Tiafoe has dropped five sets in total including a wonderful comeback match against his countryman Ben Shelton in round of 32. The only match he cruised was against Alexander Shevchenko in the second round. Not a stranger to reaching the semi-finals in Flushing Meadows as he achieved it two years ago losing to eventual winner Carlos Alcaraz.
Standing in Tiafoe’s way is Fritz who has been incredible and improving this year. This seems like a breakthrough year for him as he has reached the first Grand Slam semi-final appearance of his career. His journey in New York to make it to the last four hasn’t been easy. He managed to defeat two players ranked inside the top 10, Casper Ruud (last 16) and Alexander Zverev quarterfinals). On top of his achievements though this year, is the Olympic bronze obtained in Paris. So he is hoping things will continue rolling into his ways and perform non-stop. So it promises to be a pulsating match.
Jack Draper vs Jannik Sinner
This year’s US Open continues to crack surprises and unpredictable moments. If someone had thought Jack Draper would travel to the semi-finals of the final Grand Slam of the year, then most people would call it crazy. But crazy things are happening in sports. After struggling with injuries in recent months, Draper seems to have found life in New York. Heading to the semi-finals after clinical performance against tenth seed Alex De Minaur in the quarter Finals. The 22-year-old has yet to drop a set on his way to book a Grand Slam performance best, which is last four for the first time in his career. Draper has become the first British male athlete, to make it to the competition’s last four after legendary Andy Murray, who achieved that feat in 2012, when he went all the way to capture his maiden major title. Plus, at the beginning of next week, he will break inside the Top 20 in the world for the first time and become the ninth British to do so in the history of the game.
His next opposition is Jannik Sinner which requires him to be on top of his game. Having arrived in the tournament as a player who appeared in headlines more often after testing positive for a banned substance which was later cleared to compete, Sinner has shown composure and calmness throughout. The 23-year-old Italian is proving to the rest of the world why he is ranked no 1 in the world. He managed to overcome Daniil Medvedev in a four-set match in the quarter-finals to reach his first US Open last four. One would say Sinner got the revenge considering he lost to the same opponent during the Wimbledon Open quarter-finals. But their rivalry this year is building to be an entertaining one as Sinner pounds back from two sets down earlier in the year to clinch the Australian Open. Sinner has work to do considering facing a player like Draper who has been motivated and have the right attitude throughout. But his form of 14 games unbeaten run will be likely to be extended as he seeks to end the year on his not.