Francisco Cerundolo produced a remarkable comeback to defeat ninth seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in the third round of the US Open, ending the American's hopes of a home grand slam title. The match, played inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Cerundolo overturn a two-set deficit after Fritz had broken serve in the opening game of the third set. Fritz had three break points in the deciding set for a 5-3 lead and the chance to serve for the match, but failed to convert any of them.
Fritz's Early Dominance and Momentum Shift
Fritz appeared in control for much of the match, establishing a two-set lead and then breaking Cerundolo's serve early in the third. However, an unfocused service game from Fritz shifted the momentum, and he spent the next two hours unable to regain his earlier form. The loss was a painful one for the 28-year-old, who had been ranked as high as No 4 last year and is considered the most successful American male player of his generation.
A Missed Opportunity in an Open Draw
This year's US Open presented a rare opportunity for many players, with world No 1 Jannik Sinner absent due to injury and Novak Djokovic, now 39, eliminated in the first round. Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, was playing his first tournament back from a four-month injury layoff. With no clear favourite in top form, Fritz was among those hoping to capitalise, making the defeat even harder to accept.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Fritz said after the match. “I don’t really want to talk to anybody, see anybody. I kind of just need to, like, get out for a couple days and then just kind of get back to work. I don’t know how I let that happen today.” The loss marks a disappointing end to Fritz's US Open campaign, while Cerundolo advances to the fourth round.
