I’d like to win one: Taylor Fritz carries America’s US Open hopes until 2026

The shadow of history has long hung over the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. 2003 marked 23 years since Andy Roddick lifted the trophy, the last time an American had won a US Open singles title. For a nation accustomed to the dominant eras of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, the nearly quarter-century drought is a heavy cross for today’s generation.

Still, as the 2026 US Open gets under way, the chatter around America’s stars sounds familiar. Leading the charge is world No. 10 Taylor Fritz, who enters New York as the flag bearer of American tennis’ resurgence. Flanked in the top 15 by Ben Shelton (No. 9) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 12), both of whom have already safely cruised through their opening round matches, Fritz represents the most proven option in the country on high-stakes hard courts.

Fritz, who reached the US Open final in 2024 and has reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past three seasons, will open his campaign on Tuesday against fellow American Darwin Blanch. Speaking to television stations on the eve of his opening bout, Fritz looked relaxed, confident and laser-focused on the task ahead.

With the pressure of America’s ongoing drought and the weight of expectation resting on his shoulders, Fritz quickly rejected external pressures in favor of his own internal drive.

“At the end of the day, I think generally I just put a lot of pressure on myself and that’s just… I want to win one,” Taylor Fritz said in an interview shared by JioStar exclusively with IndiaToday.in.

“It’s not even that dry. For me, I’d like to win one, so that’s kind of where it comes from.”

FEELING SAFE IN NEW YORK

Fritz reached the US Open final in 2024 (Photo Reuters)

Those ambitions are underpinned by sharp form throughout the 2026 season. After an impressive run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon earlier this summer, the 28-year-old has begun his North American hard-court campaign in emphatic style. He won the Washington ATP 500 title in July before following up with a strong quarter-final run at the Cincinnati Masters in August.

Reflecting on his progress on the hard court over the past twelve months, Fritz expressed full confidence in where his game is at.

“I’d say it feels pretty good. I feel pretty confident in my game,” Fritz noted. “I think I’m in a good position to perform well, and I think — I mean, probably better, probably better than last year.

Maintaining peak physical condition during the grueling summer stretch in the United States requires careful preparation. Brutal heat and stifling conditions on the East Coast often derail contenders, but Fritz traced his current endurance back to an intense offseason block.

“I had a nice training block right before this whole season started in Miami,” he said.

“It was about as hot and humid as it could get that time of year. So I think that helped me a lot in DC, and then while playing all these events, getting used to the conditions, the heat, everything, I think it was good. And yeah, I tried to eat well, be healthy, sleep, you know, all the basics.”

Watch all US Open 2026 action live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.

VIDEO GAMES

When the relentless spotlight of the Grand Slam becomes overwhelming, Fritz turns to an unexpected outlet to keep calm: video games. A fiercely competitive individual, he views gaming not just as casual entertainment, but as a necessary recovery mechanism.

“I think it just takes a lot of my attention, so I don’t really think about anything else,” Fritz explained when asked how esports helps him block out the noise. “I have to focus a little bit. I’m such a competitive person, so it’s something I can do that’s competitive when I need a break and I can’t be out there doing something physical.”

When Fritz steps onto the court on Tuesday night, he will show more than just an impressive baseline and a formidable serve – he will carry the experience of past runs, top-notch fitness and an unrelenting desire to win his first Grand Slam title. Whether 2026 will be the year America’s drought ends for good remains to be seen, but Taylor Fritz has made one thing clear: he’s up for the challenge.

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

01 Sep 2026 19:34 IST