Fritz Wins an All-American Matchup Against Tiafoe in 5 to Reach the US Open Final Against Sinner

Fritz Wins an All-American Matchup Against Tiafoe in 5 to Reach the US Open Final Against Sinner
Taylor Fritz, of the United States, hugs Frances Tiafoe, of the United States, after winning the men's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in New York. Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

NEW YORK—When Taylor Fritz, a 26-year-old from California, and Frances Tiafoe, a 26-year-old from Maryland, strode under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights Friday night for the first U.S. Open semifinal matching two American men in 19 years, the crowd might have been forgiven for not knowing which to support.

There was a burst of clapping right before the initial point, a curtain-raiser befitting the show about to unfold. Once the contest got going, maybe the momentum shifts made it tough to choose between a pair of close pals who’ve known each other since they were playing tournaments for kids younger than 14.