Sinner sweeps to US Open title for second Grand Slam
Jannik Sinner won his second Grand Slam title of 2024 on Sunday when he swept aside Taylor Fritz in the US Open men's singles final. World number one Sinner, who won his maiden Slam at the Australian Open in January, became the first Italian man to triumph in New York with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 victory. The 23-year-old held aloft his arms in celebration after breaking Fritz to clinch the title and cheers rang around Arthur Ashe Stadium, even though home fans had hoped to see Fritz end a 21-year U.S. men's Grand Slam drought. For Sinner, it was a 55th match win of the season and sixth title. After his 21-year-old rival Carlos Alcaraz pocketed the French Open and Wimbledon titles to take his majors collection to four, the two men have cemented their places as the powerhouses of tennis's new era. "This title means so much," said Sinner who arrived in New York under a cloud after it was revealed he had failed two drug tests but escaped sanction. "The last period of my career has not been easy but I have my team and family who support me." World number 12 Fritz was bidding to be the first American man since Andy Roddick in New York in 2003 to win a major. He was backed by A-list celebrity support amongst the 23,000-strong crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pop queen Taylor Swift watched alongside boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce while Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was hard to miss as he donned a Stars and Stripes headband. "It has been an amazing two weeks. Congratulations to Jannik, he played a great match. He was very impressive and was too good today," said Fritz. "I'm sorry I couldn't get it done but I will keep working and I feel I will get it the next time." (AFP/Reuters)