Argentina's Francisco Cerúndolo staged a remarkable comeback to eliminate the No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz during the third round of the US Open in New York. Despite winning the opening two sets, the American star faltered in a grueling three-hour and 40-minute match.
The 20-year search for an American Grand Slam champion
The defeat of Taylor Fritz adds another chapter to the long-standing struggle of American men in major tennis tournaments. as reported by the source, the United States has been unable to secure a Grand Slam men's singles title since Andy Roddick's victory at Flushing Meadows two decades ago. this drought has placed immense pressure on the current generation of American players to deliver on the sport's biggest stages.
While six American men still remain in the singles tournament, the loss of a top-seeded player like Fritz significantly narrows the path to a domestic victory. The expectation for Fritz was high, as he was viewed as a legitimate contender to break the streak of futility that has haunted American tennis since 2003.
54 unforced errors and a failing first serve
Taylor Fritz's inability to close out the match was defined by a sudden loss of precision during critical moments. According to the report, Fritz held a commanding 4-3 lead and a 40-0 advantage in the third set, providing him with a chance to serve for the match.. However, Francisco Cerúndolo managed to hold his serve and eventually secured the win through a combination of Fritz's errors and timely winners.
Statistical breakdowns of the match highlight where the No. 9 seed lost his edge. Fritz recorded 54 unforced errors by the end of the contest, and his first-serve percentage dropped to just 67%. Although he hit 12 aces, the lack of consistency on his primary weapon allowed Cerúndolo to remain competitive and eventually turn the tide. Even when Fritz held a 30-0 lead later in the match, he was unable to maintain the momentum, allowing the match to slip away.
Cerúndolo's path to the fourth round against Alexander Blockx
Francisco Cerúndolo's victory marks his first advancement to the fourth round of the US Open. The Argentinian's ability to return Fritz's serve was a key factor in his comeback, a skill Fritz himself acknowledged during the post-match discussion.
Cerúndolo is now scheduled to face Belgium's Alexander Blockx, who advanced to the fourth round after upsetting the No. 5 seed Flavio Cobolli in four sets. This matchup sets the stage for a highly competitive round as Cerúndolo looks to build on his momentum against a player who has already proven capable of toppling high seeds.
The 40-0 lead that vanished and Fritz's physical state
While Fritz claimed his "sometimes troublesome knee" was not a factor in the match, the physical toll of a three-hour and 40-minute battle remains an unanswered concern for his future performance. It is unclear if the injury played a subtle role in his declining serve percentage or his high error count.
Additionally, the source leaves the psychological cause of Fritz's collapse unaddressed. While the player expressed deep frustration, stating he "doesn't really want to talk to anybody," it remains unverified whether the loss was due to tactical errors by Cerúndolo or a mental breakdown by Fritz during the pivotal third set.
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