Taylor Fritz carries US Open hopes

Taylor Fritz entered the 2026 US Open as the leading American man still chasing a first Grand Slam title, and he said publicly this week that he wants to win one. In an interview published on September 1, Fritz said, “I would like to win one,” as he spoke about the pressure and opportunity around the U.S. men’s drought in singles majors. India Today’s profile said the 28-year-old has embraced being seen as America’s contender at Flushing Meadows after reaching the US Open final in 2024 and the quarterfinals in 2025. ### What exactly did Fritz say? Taylor Fritz told India Today in an interview published September 1 that he wants a Grand Slam title and did not duck the expectation attached to his position in the American men’s field. The quote that stood out was direct: “I would like to win one,” the report said. (indiatoday.in) The India Today profile framed Fritz as the player carrying U.S. hopes in New York this year, and that description matches his place in the American men’s game after the last two US Opens. Fritz was the runner-up in 2024 and made the quarterfinals in 2025, according to the same report. (indiatoday.in) ### Why is the drought number 23 years? Andy Roddick remains the most recent American man to win the US Open singles title, and the tournament’s own historical material identifies his 2003 championship as the last such victory. That is the benchmark Fritz is trying to reach in New York this year. (indiatoday.in) The US Open has also used Roddick’s 2003 run as the reference point for the current gap in American men’s singles success. India Today described Fritz’s task in those terms, saying he is trying to end a 23-year drought. (usopen.org) ### Why is Fritz the player under the brightest spotlight? Taylor Fritz became the first American man to reach the US Open final since 2003 when he made the championship match in 2024. India Today’s 2024 coverage said he beat Frances Tiafoe in a five-set semifinal before facing Jannik Sinner in the final. (indiatoday.in) ATP Tour materials for the 2026 tournament also identified Fritz as the 2024 runner-up and grouped him among the leading American names in the men’s draw. That combination — recent deep runs in New York and his standing among U.S. players — explains why his comments now carry more weight than they might have a few years ago. (indiatoday.in) ### How is he doing at the 2026 tournament so far? The US Open’s official site said Fritz advanced on Day 3 of the tournament, placing him among the American winners on Tuesday, September 1. A separate tournament roundup also listed him among the day’s winners. (atptour.com) The ATP Tour says the 2026 US Open main draw runs from August 30 through September 13 in New York. That means Fritz is still alive in the event as the tournament moves deeper into its first week. ### What is at stake for him beyond one tournament? A first Grand Slam title would give Fritz the biggest result of his career and end the long wait for an American men’s singles champion at a major most closely associated with U.S. tennis. (usopen.org) India Today’s interview presented that tension plainly: Fritz is not only trying to win a tournament, but to do it while carrying a national expectation he now acknowledges openly. (atptour.com) At 28, Fritz is speaking from a different position than an emerging player. His recent results in New York — final in 2024, quarterfinal in 2025, round-two place already secured in 2026 — put him in the group of players expected to contend rather than simply participate. (indiatoday.in) ### What comes next in New York? The 2026 US Open continues through September 13 at Flushing Meadows, according to the ATP Tour and the tournament’s official site. Live results remain available on the US Open scoreboard as Fritz moves into the next round and tries to turn a public statement of intent into a title run. (atptour.com) (indiatoday.in)