Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The shadow of history hangs long over the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. It has been 23 years since Andy Roddick hoisted the trophy in 2003, marking the last time an American man won the US Open singles title. For a nation accustomed to the dominant eras of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, a nearly quarter-century drought is a heavy cross for today’s generation to bear.
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Yet, as the 2026 US Open gets underway, the chatter around the American stars sounds familiar. Leading the charge is World No. 10 Taylor Fritz, who enters New York as the standard-bearer of a resurgence in American tennis. Flanked in the top 15 by Ben Shelton (ranked 9th) and Frances Tiafoe (ranked 12th), both of whom have already safely navigated their opening-round matches, Fritz represents the country’s most proven option on high-stakes hard courts.
Fritz, who reached the US Open final in 2024 and has made at least the quarterfinals in each of the last three seasons, kicks off his campaign on Tuesday against fellow American Darwin Blanch. Speaking to broadcasters on the eve of his opening match, Fritz appeared relaxed, self-assured, and laser-focused on the task ahead.
When pressed about the lingering American drought and the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, Fritz was quick to dismiss external pressures in favour of his own internal drive.
“At the end of the day, I think I’m putting a lot of pressure just on myself in general, and that’s just… I want to win one,” Taylor Fritz said in an interview shared exclusively with IndiaToday.in by JioStar.
“It’s not so much the drought. For me, I’d like to win one, so that’s kind of where it’s coming from.”
FEELING CONFIDENT IN NEW YORK
That ambition is underpinned by sharp form throughout the 2026 season. Following an impressive run to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon earlier this summer, the 28-year-old launched his North American hard-court campaign in emphatic style. He clinched the Washington ATP 500 title in July before stringing together a strong run to the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Masters in August.
Reflecting on his hard-court progression over the last twelve months, Fritz expressed full confidence in where his game stands.
“I’d say it feels pretty good. I feel pretty confident in my game,” Fritz noted. “I think I’m in a good spot to perform well, and I think-I mean, probably better, probably better than last year.”
Maintaining peak physical condition during the gruelling summer stretch in the United States requires meticulous preparation. The brutal heat and muggy conditions of the East Coast often derail contenders, but Fritz traced his current endurance back to an intense off-season block.
“I had a nice training block just before this whole season started in Miami,” he said.
“It was about as hot and humid as it could be at that time of the year. So, I think that helped me a lot in D.C. And then just throughout playing all these events, getting used to the conditions, the heat, everything, I think it’s been good. And, yeah, I’ve been trying to have a good diet, be healthy, sleep, you know, all the basic stuff.”
Catch all the action of US Open 2026 live on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
VIDEO GAMES
When the relentless spotlight of a Grand Slam becomes overwhelming, Fritz turns to an unexpected outlet to maintain his composure: video games. As an intensely competitive individual, he views gaming not just as a casual pastime, but as an essential recovery mechanism.
“I think it just takes a lot of my attention so that I’m not really thinking about anything else,” Fritz explained when asked how esports help him block out the noise. “I kind of have to just focus. I’m such a competitive person, so it’s something I can do that’s competitive when I need rest and can’t be out doing something physical.”
As he steps onto the court on Tuesday night, Fritz carries more than just an impressive baseline game and a formidable serve-he carries the experience of past runs, elite physical preparation, and an unyielding desire to capture his maiden Grand Slam title. Whether 2026 is the year the American drought finally ends remains to be seen, but Taylor Fritz has made one thing clear: he is ready for the challenge.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
