US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner beats Taylor Fritz in the final

When it is all over, robot Jannik Sinner shows human traits

Doping, insults and US opponents – but the Italian stays cool at the US Open and beats Taylor Fritz in the final with ease. But dark clouds still hang over him.

Published: 08.09.2024, 20:02Updated 12 minutes ago

It’s done: Jannik Sinner kisses the trophy.

Photo: Julia Nikhinson (Keystone)

At times at the US Open, one had the impression that Jannik Sinner was a robot. Without changing his expression and with a mechanical voice, he answered all questions about his positive doping samples from Marchwhich had become known the week before. He also showed no emotions on the court.

Only when he had won the tournament did a smile appear on his face. Then he climbed up into the stands and hugged his team, who had supported him so much during these turbulent times. When he hugged his girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya like a friend, she adjusted his head with her right hand and pressed a kiss on his mouth. There must have been so much intimacy.

This had to happen: Girlfriend Anna Kalinskaja kisses Sinner.

Photo: Matthew Stockman (Getty Images via AFP)

Sinner will probably soon reach the moment when he will reflect on everything that has happened in the last few weeks and months. But the 23-year-old had no time for that in Flushing Meadows. He forced himself not to let the many disruptive factors get to him.

Nick Kyrgios, commentating on ESPN, lashed out at him. He shrugged his shoulders and said everyone was allowed to say what they wanted. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer Found that he had been given preferential treatment after his positive doping tests. Even that could not destabilize him.

Taylor Swift and Elon Musk also watched

And on the court he played against one American after another – four in total. In the round of 16 he beat Tommy Paul (ATP 14) with ease, and in the final he beat Taylor Fritz (12). After the final he thanked the US fans for their fairness. Fritz had sometimes applauded after he hit his first serve.

Taylor Swift in a box: She also likes the Honey Deuce.

Photo: Sarah Stier (Getty Images)

But Sinner continued to play like a robot. Like an extremely nimble, fast-moving robot. No matter how hard Fritz hit the ball, he couldn’t find a way to unbalance it. After 2 hours and 16 minutes, the nightmare was over, and Sinner had won 6:3, 6:4, 7:5 in front of numerous celebrities such as singer Taylor Swift and Tesla founder Elon Musk.

Popular with selfie hunters: Elon Musk.

Photo: CJ Gunther (EPA)

Sinner received the winner’s trophy from the hands of two-time US Open champion Andre Agassi (1994, 99). This was probably not what the 54-year-old had imagined when he agreed to attend the ceremony. Now the time had come for an American to win again, Agassi said before the tournament. After all, Fritz was the first male US player to reach a Grand Slam final in 15 years. At that time, Andy Roddick, the last US champion in 2003, lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

Fritz: “Sorry I didn’t make it”

“I know we’ve been waiting a long time for the next American champion,” said Fritz at the awards ceremony. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it this time. But I’m going to keep working and hopefully it will work out next time.”

Fritz is a late bloomer. For a long time he lived primarily from his serve, but he has now developed into a complete player and athlete. At 26, he is playing better than ever. At the US Open, he improved at times in a frenzy of play. He also had his good moments against Sinner, but he was weak in the decisive phases.

Disappointed final loser: Taylor Fritz.

Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth (Keystone)

The amazing thing is that Sinner didn’t even have to play outstandingly to win in three sets. From the second set onwards, his serve started to fail him, but from the baseline he was more stable than anyone else thanks to his explosiveness and agility. Only Carlos Alcaraz could lure him out of his shell with his variable game.

But in New York The Spaniard failed earlyMentally exhausted after a summer full of sporting highlights. Sinner and Alcaraz share the four Grand Slam titles of the year in a brotherly manner. We have now finally arrived in their era.

For the first time since 1993, all major titles were won by players aged 23 or younger. Back then, Jim Courier, Sergi Bruguera and Pete Sampras achieved this twice. With Alcaraz and Sinner, you don’t get the feeling that they have yet reached their full potential. The Italian also said: “There’s never an end to the work.” I can always improve, as we saw today. I can hardly wait to continue this process.”

Sinner dedicated the title to his aunt.

Photo: Sarah Stier (Getty Images)

The 23-year-old did get a little emotional at the awards ceremony. “This title means so much to me. Because the last few weeks have not been easy,” he said, alluding to the discussions surrounding his positive doping tests. “I understood how important the mental aspect is.”

He dedicated the title to his aunt, who is not in good health. “I don’t know how much longer I will have her in my life.” She is a very important person to me. My greatest wish would be that everyone could be healthy. Unfortunately, that is not possible.”

WADA could reopen his case

After this triumph, a great burden will be lifted from Sinner. But the scandal surrounding his positive doping tests is not over yet. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has until midnight on Monday to appeal against the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s decision not to ban him to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne (CAS).

Then the case would go to the next round. And tennis, which has a new champion in Jannik Sinner this year, would be left in ruins.

30:30

Fritz now controls the rally. The adrenaline has replaced the nervousness.

15:15

Fritz pushes the pace, but mistakes creep in.

2:2

And Sinner puts a topspin volley into the net. Not an easy ball. Fritz makes the break. The crowd goes wild.

40: AD

Strongly played by Fritz with his backhand, he got the third break point.

AD:40

And with the next powerful serve he gets himself a match point.

40:40

The Italian can do that.

15:40

Slight backhand error from Sinner, now he has to fend off the first break points.

15:30

Fritz returns. He’s getting cheeky.

0:15

Sinnner’s first slight mistake. The crowd cheers.

2:1

Fritz shortens it. That’s how it should look from his point of view: two direct points with the serve and powerful play from the baseline.

0:40

Fritz gradually finds his way into the game and stands up to Sinner in the baseline duels.

2:0

The Italian makes it 2-0. He is not in any trouble with his server.

40:0

Stronger start from Sinner. He outplays Fritz again.

15:0

So far, the game is developing exactly as Sünder wants: He chases Fritz back and forth with his powerful groundstrokes.

1:0

And Fritz gets the break straight away! An excellent serve, but then he hits the Novak Djokovic-style smash out. Sünder played well with his choice of return.

40:30

Fritz fends off the first break point with aggressive tennis.

40:15

Sünder is already getting his first break points. Up until now, he has dominated the baseline duels.

30:0

Fritz puts the ball out of play. 0:30. All beginnings are difficult.

15:0

A dry forehand from Sünder down the line. Now that’s an answer.

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topicnews · September 9, 2024

US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner beats Taylor Fritz in the final

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