Epic US Open Comeback
Francisco Cerundolo overcomes a two-set deficit to eliminate Taylor Fritz at the US Open.
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Taylor Fritz said the defeat was difficult to process: “I don't even know what to say. I don't really want to talk to anybody or see anybody. I kind of just need to get out for a couple of days and then just kind of get back to work. I don't know how I let that happen today.”
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Fritz acknowledged that Cerundolo’s improved serving and elite returning magnified his own struggles, saying: “He was punishing me more than maybe a normal person would.”
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The defeat came during an unusually open men’s draw: world No. 1 and four-time major champion Jannik Sinner was absent with an injury, Novak Djokovic had lost in the first round, and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was returning from a four-month injury layoff.
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Fritz had been the most successful American men’s player of his generation, reaching the 2024 U.S. Open final—the first American men’s singles final at the tournament since Andy Roddick in 2006—and also making quarterfinal appearances in 2023 and 2025.
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Cerundolo’s victory was described as the biggest comeback of his Grand Slam career, completing a turnaround on Arthur Ashe Stadium after Fritz had appeared firmly in control through the opening two sets.
Francisco Cerundolo completed one of his career's biggest comebacks at the US Open, rallying from two sets down to defeat ninth-seeded American Taylor Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in three hours and 40 minutes. Head to Pic The Argentine's third-round victory in Arthur Ashe Stadium ended Fritz's pursuit of his first Grand Slam title and marked his earliest US Open exit since 2022, while Cerundolo reached the fourth round in New York for the first time.
Fritz, who had dominated the opening two sets and held break points late in the third, struggled with his serve and made 54 unforced errors as Cerundolo steadily increased baseline pressure. ATP Tour The defeat came during an unusually open men's draw, with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner absent through injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a four-month layoff—a rare opportunity Fritz was unable to seize.
Cerundolo Exploits Fritz's Flagging Serve
Fritz looked completely in control after winning the first two sets. But his first-serve percentage dropped as fatigue and pressure mounted, giving Cerundolo's elite return game more breakpoints to attack. The Guardian By the fifth set, Fritz's serving had become vulnerable enough that Cerundolo broke him at 3-4 to secure the match, while Fritz acknowledged the shift: 'He was punishing me more than maybe a normal person would.'
The Argentine's serving also improved dramatically in the final three sets. Cerundolo raised his first-serve percentage and combined that with powerful groundstrokes that forced Fritz deeper into the court. Last Word On Sports Fritz finished with 54 unforced errors, a clear sign his defensive position deteriorated as Cerundolo seized momentum on the baseline.
Fritz Confronts His Rarest US Open Opportunity
This defeat stung harder because Fritz had reached the 2024 US Open final—the first American men's singles final there since Andy Roddick in 2006. The Guardian He was ranked as high as No. 4 last year and had made three quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows. The open draw this year offered him a genuine path to his first major title.
Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, was absent through injury. Novak Djokovic exited in the first round. Carlos Alcaraz returned from a four-month injury layoff. Head to Pic Yet Fritz could not capitalize, leaving him visibly shaken: 'I don't even know what to say. I don't really want to talk to anybody or see anybody.'
Cerundolo's Biggest Career Breakthrough
This victory represents far more than just an upset. ATP Tour Cerundolo completed the biggest Grand Slam comeback of his career and advanced to the US Open fourth round for the first time. The result shows he can sustain pressure against top-10 opponents and convert major-stage opportunities into deeper tournament runs.
Cerundolo will next face Alexander Blockx, who pulled off his own upset by defeating fifth-seeded Flavio Cobolli. Last Word On Sports The Argentine's three-set comeback on Arthur Ashe Stadium—one of tennis's most intimidating courts—demonstrates he belongs in the conversation among rising players capable of beating elite competition when momentum shifts.
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