Fritz’s coach gives hints on what it takes to beat Sinner in US Open final | ATP Tour

Coach’s Corner

Fritz’s coach gives hints on what it takes to beat Sinner

The American is seeking to become his country’s first Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open

September 07, 2024

As excited as the team is for Fritz, each of its members knows the work isn’t done. That’s why ever since the No. 12 in the PIF ATP Rankings beat Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, everyone in his entourage has been thinking about every detail of the final against Jannik Sinner. Starting with his coach Michael Russell.

The American coach has a plan for his pupil in Sunday’s match, taking into account past duels. The Lexus ATP HeadToHead between Sinner and Fritz is 1-1.

“I remember Taylor playing well. In fact, there was a pretty strong wind that day and Jannik did a good job of being able to punish Taylor when she was upwind. Taylor had a hard time creating a lot of power when she was upwind, and that was kind of the differentiating factor in that third set,” Russell said. “Jannik was able to get a few more free points on that upwind side. But they’ve had some great matches.”

“Jannik is a great ball striker. He’s serving well, obviously, coming in with a lot of confidence. That being said, Taylor is going to have a lot of support from the crowd. He really needs to make that work for him and take advantage of his power game. He’s going to have rhythm with Jannik. And he’s going to have to make him uncomfortable not only with the game but with the entire American support. He just has to create an environment that’s uncomfortable for him.”

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^{Foto: Al Bello/Getty Images}
The Sinner on the other side of the net on Sunday won’t be the same player Fritz faced in March 2023. At the time, Sinner was No. 13 in the world. Now he’s No. 1 and the top-ranked player in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.

“He’s serving really well. He’s strengthened his first serve and his second serve. I think he’s a more complete player,” Russell said. “He can get in. His transition game has improved and he’s physically better. He can handle some longer matches and his body hasn’t broken down like it has in the past. So he’s a very complete player.”

“But again, Taylor is playing very well and his game is much more complete than it was even months ago. He’s moving forward better, he’s much more explosive and he’ll have to go out and do those same things on Sunday.”

What will it take for Fritz to beat Sinner and win the US Open?

“He has to serve well. He has to be aggressive. He has to be present in the moment, take advantage of the crowd support, take advantage of the energy,” Russell said. “When the opportunity presents itself, [tiene que] “I have to play controlled and aggressive tennis and look to finish points at the net when I can. Just be ready for another battle and compete like I always do.”