Connors on Fritz and Tiafoe at US Open: 'Proving they belong at the top'
ATPMonday, 16 September 2024 at 03:30
Jimmy Connors praised the success of Americans Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe at the recent US Open. Both players surprised by reaching the semifinals, where Fritz claimed an epic victory to advance to his first Grand Slam final, eventually losing to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
It was the first time since 2006 that a local male player reached the final, when Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick. The days of American dominance at the tournament, with seven titles between 1993 and 2003, seem distant, though Tiafoe and Fritz thrilled the Flushing Meadows crowd and came close to ending the drought for American players.
Connors excited about American tennis revival
Former World No. 1 Connors, who won the US Open five times between 1974 and 1983, tying with Pete Sampras and Roger Federer as the most decorated champions, praised the American duo’s performance on his podcast, Advantage with Connors. The 8-time Grand Slam champion believes their success can inspire other American players.
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"It's been a while, right?” Connors commented on the semifinal match between two Americans in a major. “We haven't had a men's champion since Roddick in 2003," he added.
"For two Americans to be in the semis was pretty exciting, and it goes to show that when you stay in there, keep grinding, training, working, sacrificing, and doing what's best to improve each day, good things happen," Connors said.
"They might be playing their best tennis. Alcaraz might have been in there. He lost. That's not their fault. If he doesn't make it, that's not their problem, but they were prepared and played the kind of tennis necessary to get to that point, which is great," added the 5-time US Open champion.
"Listen, the American men need to keep moving forward and prove they deserve those semifinal and final berths every time they step onto the court. Tennis is a 365-days-a-year job, and you can't live off one result. That result, as great as it was, is over now," he concluded.
Fritz and Tiafoe will lead Team World at the Laver Cup starting September 20, joining compatriot Ben Shelton, South Americans Alejandro Tabilo and Francisco Cerundolo, and Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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