Fritz Reaches US Open Quarters As Townsend Loses Epic Battle

Taylor Fritz reached the US Open quarter-finals with a commanding victory over Tomas Machac on Sunday. The American triumphed 6-4 6-3 6-3 to keep home hopes alive. He is now the lone U.S. man left from the 23 who began the tournament. His win keeps alive American dreams of ending a 22-year Grand Slam drought, dating back to Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph.

Fritz, appearing in his third consecutive quarter-final in New York, admitted the weight of expectation. “I wasn’t expecting to be the last one standing,” he said. “Hopefully the crowd will push me forward.” The Californian now faces Novak Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head 10-0.

Djokovic created history once more at Flushing Meadows. At 38, he became the oldest man to reach all four Grand Slam quarter-finals in a single season. He eased past Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-3 6-2 despite receiving shoulder treatment. “I don’t know how many more I’ll play, so each one is special,” Djokovic said.

While Fritz surged forward, Taylor Townsend endured heartbreak in her dramatic clash with Barbora Krejcikova. The 29-year-old American mother saved eight match points before falling 1-6 7-6(13) 6-3 after more than three hours. Her young son A.J. consoled her after the defeat. Townsend called it the toughest singles loss of her career but remained optimistic. “I’m playing tennis to be top 20, top 10, to win a Slam,” she said. She continues her campaign in doubles, declaring: “The show is not over.”

Elsewhere, Carlos Alcaraz booked his spot in the last eight with a 7-6(3) 6-3 6-4 win over Arthur Rinderknech. Aryna Sabalenka extended her stunning run, beating Cristina Bucsa 6-1 6-4 to reach her 12th straight Grand Slam quarter-final. “I feel like I’m enjoying my journey, and that’s the key,” said the Belarusian.

Jessica Pegula added another bright note for American fans with a 6-1 6-2 victory over Ann Li. The fourth seed progressed to her eighth Grand Slam quarter-final and now faces Krejcikova.

Sunday’s action captured the essence of the US Open narrow margins, historic milestones, and emotional drama. For Fritz, the challenge of Djokovic awaits. For Townsend, her singles dream may have ended, but her determination endures.