By Avani Shah-Lipman: The Baldwin School 2025
The US Open is the biggest tennis tournament on American soil, and the biggest one in the world. For the first time this year, the US Open welcomed over one million fans to watch the two-week tournament. Also for the first time since 2003, four American players advanced to the semifinals on their home turf.
With this massive crowd came a surge of support for American players. Top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic were out of the tournament early, so the door was open for American men Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz to advance to the semifinals.
The two were set to play against each other, ensuring that an American man would make it to the singles final for the first time since 2006. Crowds could not decide who to root for in the grueling three-hour, five-set match. Fritz came out on top and prepared to battle world number one Jannik Sinner just two days later.
Fritz said he was confident before his showdown against Sinner.
“When I play good tennis, that level is good enough to win,” he said.
But Sinner’s game was just a little stronger, and he defeated Fritz in straight sets. Fritz was not able to adjust to Sinner’s speedy serve, and he didn’t start playing his best tennis until it was too late.
On the women’s side, Americans Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro fought through a talented draw before making it to the semifinals, where they played in separate matches. Although Navarro lost her match in a second-set tiebreak, Pegula defeated opponent Karolina Muchova in three sets, moving on to face world number two Aryna Sabalenka. Both had a strong showing in their first major semifinal matches.
Pegula said was excited to represent the country in the final.
“It’s a childhood dream,” Pegula said.
She ultimately lost in two close sets but had a remarkable performance. With this match, she has solidified herself as a tough competitor in women’s tennis, and the tennis world will be seeing more of her at the grand slams.
American crowds came out in full force for both the men’s and women’s singles finals, each excitingly featuring a compatriot. They cheered as loudly as they could, but no amount of support could push an American to a US Open victory.
We’ll have to wait until next year!
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