Taylor Fritz’s run to the US Open final was the stuff dreams are made of, and fans the world over delighted in watching an American thrive in his home country.
Historically, this has always been the most unpredictable Grand Slam, particularly on the men’s side.
After all, no man has managed to retain the title since Roger Federer all the way back in 2008.
It’s a testament to the unpredictability that, of the final four left, only one was seeded inside the top ten.
Taylor Fritz benefited from this wide-open field, and Andy Roddick now hopes that he can use this experience to ensure he becomes a regular fixture in finals.
Andy Roddick sent message to Taylor Fritz after the US Open
Speaking on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the man of whom the show is named after reacted to the men’s US Open final, which sadly saw his compatriot beaten in straight sets.
Fritz, who had enjoyed a miraculous run to the championship match, had beaten some top-level opponents on his way to that stage, having deserved his spot more than anyone.
However, his very last adversary just so happened to be his toughest, with the world number one Jannik Sinner standing between him and a maiden Grand Slam title in New York.
Alas, it was not to be on this occasion, but Roddick still sought to send his congratulations to the American’s team.
He revealed on his podcast: ’Credit to Taylor. I sent a text to Mike Russell his coach who was on tour when I was on tour and just said pass along my congrats. I don’t know what he does differently in that match-up against Jannik Sinner. I don’t know what his options would have been.’
Fritz has since sent a message to his fans after the US Open final defeat, promising to be back.
Taylor Fritz will be back in Grand Slam finals
This will certainly not be the last we see of Fritz in the latter stages of a Grand Slam, having finally broken his duck by surpassing the quarter-final round at last.
Previously, he had stormed to the quarters on four separate occasions, yet was beaten every time.
And, with how his game has developed, particularly in the last 12 months, there’s reason to believe that he will continue to thrive at this level.
After all, his serve, despite faltering somewhat in the final, has become a supreme weapon at his disposal.
His groundstrokes are totally solid, and when he gets the chance to open up onto his forehand, it usually results in the end of the point.
Should he continue this steady progression, taking with him the experience gathered over the last few weeks, there’s no reason why he won’t be back again.
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