NEW YORK (AP) — Jannik Sinner had a rocky start at the U.S. Open, losing the very first set he played after news broke about his being cleared in a doping case that had remained unknown until just before the tournament began at Flushing Meadows.
Although this situation weighed on him at the start, Sinner managed to set it aside once he stepped onto the court. He played impressively, defeating Taylor Fritz with scores of 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. This victory, achieved with his trademark relentless baseline play, crowned him the men’s champion at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, just weeks after news of his two positive tests for a small trace of an anabolic steroid had come to light.
“It was, and still is, a bit on my mind,” Sinner admitted. “It hasn’t completely faded away, but when I’m competing, I focus on the game and do my best to handle everything. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve managed to stay mentally sharp, staying focused on every point.”
This triumph, lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, marked his second Grand Slam title—his first being the Australian Open earlier this January. It also kept No. 12 Fritz from breaking the 21-year drought for American men in major tournaments.
The last time an American man secured a Grand Slam title was when Andy Roddick won at the U.S. Open in 2003. Roddick was also the last American to compete in a final at one of tennis’s top four tournaments, losing to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009.
“I know it’s been a long wait for a champion,” Fritz said, “so I’m sorry I couldn’t win this time.”
Despite the setback in the final, the tournament was a significant success for U.S. tennis. For the first time since the 2003 U.S. Open, there were two American men and two women in the semifinals. Jessica Pegula made it to the women’s final but ultimately lost to Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus.
Sinner’s record improved to 55-5 for the year, with a remarkable six titles to his name in 2024. His hard court performance has been outstanding, boasting a 35-2 record, which mirrors the conditions of both the Australian Open and the U.S. Open. He is the first man since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.
This year was notable as it marked the first time since 2002 that none of the famed trio—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or the retired Roger Federer—won a major title. Instead, Sinner, aged 23, and Carlos Alcaraz, aged 21, each claimed two Slam titles this year.
“It’s great to see new champions emerging,” Sinner expressed. “It’s exciting to witness new rivalries forming.”
On August 20, it was revealed that he had tested positive twice for a substance available over-the-counter in Italy during March. However, he was cleared of any wrongdoing as it was deemed unintentional. He argued that the steroid entered his system due to a massage from a team member whom he later dismissed.
While some questioned whether Sinner received special treatment, most agreed he wasn’t deliberately doping. Throughout the U.S. Open, the audience showed him support.
“I can understand why some people are upset about this,” commented Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which was not involved in the case. “But the science suggests that if the facts are substantiated, his defense is plausible.”
Sinner dedicated his victory to an aunt who is grappling with health issues, acknowledging that the months leading up to the resolution of his case were challenging for him.
“It wasn’t easy to enjoy certain moments. My demeanor on the court was affected before… it wasn’t who I usually am,” he shared. “But during this tournament, I gradually began to feel more like myself again.”
Fritz had the support of the home crowd on a cool afternoon under a bright blue sky. Among the enthusiastic spectators were Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, with fans occasionally chanting “U-S-A!” during critical moments or cheering loudly whenever Fritz gained an important point.
The crowd’s energy peaked at 3-all in the third set when Fritz executed an overhead winner, pumping his fist and shouting, “Let’s go!” The excitement escalated when he earned a break point, causing the audience to erupt. However, Sinner faltered with a double fault, allowing Fritz to take the lead at 4-3.
“If he wins that third set, it would change the dynamics of the match,” noted Fritz’s coach, Michael Russell.
Despite Fritz’s attempt to serve out the set at 5-4, Sinner managed to pull even again. He skillfully executed a drop shot, drawing Fritz to the net, followed by a passing shot that forced a volley into the net. Fritz, frustrated, slammed his racket down as Sinner made his way to the towel box, maintaining a stoic expression.
Ten minutes later, Sinner wrapped up the match with a decisive four-game streak. He raised his arms in triumph, tilted his head back, and closed his eyes.
Sinner’s playing style is not flashy, but it’s highly effective, characterized by solid technique and consistency. His long reach and ability to glide across the court allow him to return every shot with precision, targeting the lines with powerful strikes.
“He makes you push your limits, forcing you to aim for more than you might want,” Russell observed, “because he retrieves so many balls.”
Sinner became only the second Italian to win a singles title at the U.S. Open, joining 2015 women’s champion Flavia Pennetta. He concluded the match with just 21 unforced errors, significantly fewer than Fritz’s total of 34.
Fritz struggled in the first set, landing only 36% of his first serves, hitting just two aces, and committing more than twice as many unforced errors (12) as he did winners (five).
Though his numbers improved as the match progressed, Fritz couldn’t find a way to consistently challenge Sinner, who has shown to be extremely difficult to beat.
“That’s just how it goes when you’re up against… the best player in the world right now,” Fritz reflected.
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AP National Writer Eddie Pells in Denver and AP Sports Writer Brian Mahoney in New York contributed to this report.
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