Taylor Fritz Powers Past Casper Ruud to Secure US Open Quarter-Final Spot

Taylor Fritz staged a remarkable comeback on Sunday to defeat eighth seed Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 and advance to the US Open quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Despite a slow start, Fritz’s resilience and aggressive play eventually overwhelmed the Norwegian, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Ruud, who started the match with impressive intensity, broke Fritz’s serve to take a 5-3 lead and claimed the first set with a commanding love hold. However, Fritz began to find his rhythm as the match progressed. In the second set, he capitalized on a crucial double fault from Ruud, leveling the match and shifting the momentum in his favor.

The conditions on the day were challenging, with high humidity affecting the players. Ruud, visibly struggling with the heat, changed into dry clothes and shoes before the third set but failed to regain his earlier form. Fritz took advantage of Ruud’s erratic play, breaking early in the third set and sealing it with an ace.

Fritz maintained his dominance in the fourth set, firing his 24th ace on match point to secure the victory. The win sets up a quarter-final clash with either fellow American Brandon Nakashima or German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

“I knew I had to dig deep after losing the first set,” Fritz said in his post-match interview. “Casper came out strong, but I stayed focused and adapted my game. It feels great to be in the quarters again, and I’m excited to see who I’ll face next.”

Fritz’s victory is a testament to his growth and determination on the big stage, as he continues to build on his impressive performance from last year’s US Open.