The American Taylor Fritz and Jannik Sinner from Italy will battle it out in the men’s US Open final on Sunday. 

Fritz became the first American man in 15 years to reach a Grand Slam singles final.  He beat his compatriot and good friend Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling five-set semi-final match 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 to secure his final’s place.

Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe. Photo: X

Andy Roddick was the last American man to reach a Grand Slam singles final – at Wimbledon in 2009 and was also the last American man to win a major singles title (the US Open in 2003).

The other semi-final on Friday night was a less dramatic affair.  A visibly sick Jack Draper went down to Sinner in three sets (7-5, 7-6, 6-2).  The 22-year-old British number one vomited on court and was unable to break through Sinner’s serve.

After the match, the world number 12 told the media he believes Sunday’s match against Sinner will be less stressful than his encounter with Tiafoe.

‘I just feel good’

“I’ve always enjoyed playing him (Sinner). To be honest, I don’t think I’m going to be put in a more stressful situation than I was today," he said.  "I think today was much more stressful than me playing the final. I just feel good. I have a feeling I’m going to come out and play well and win."

Fritz was beaten in three sets the last time he met Sinner, in the quarter-finals at Indian Wells last year.

 OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg