Stars take a leap at this year’s US Open
This year’s US Open at Flushing Meadows has been a banner fortnight for American tennis. For the first time since 2003, four Americans reached the semi-final. On the women’s side, Jessica Pegula reached the final four at a major tournament for the first time. Pegula, who had been 0-6 in grand slam quarterfinals, ended the losing streak by beating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets. Now, she’s gone one better. Following a three-set victory over Karolina Muchova, Pegula will face Aryna Sabalenka for the title. Sabalenka defeated 23-year-old Emma Navarro in the other semi-final, but the young American is in the ascendancy, following up a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon with an impressive showing in Queens.
On the Men’s side, a massive moment for American tennis takes place under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, as Taylor Fritz faces Francis Tiafoe for a spot in the final. It has been almost two decades since two Americans faced off in a grand slam semi-final when Andre Agassi beat Robby Ginepri. The winner of tonight’s main event will become the first American since Andy Roddick in 2006 to make a US Open final. Beginning at 11 AM tomorrow, Topps will celebrate in the Seaport in New York City with Aces & Cases, an exciting event that includes card breaks and giveaways, where fans and collectors can get in on all the tennis action. Let’s look at the Americans who made this year’s US Open one to remember.
Jessica Pegula, USA
The Story of the open
• impressive win against no. 1 iga Swiatek to win first-ever grand slam quarterfinal on her seventh try
Defining moment
• regular rallied after a worrying 6-1 opening set loss to Muchova in yesterday’s semi-final
What They’re Saying
• “It would mean the world to me, obviously. I’m just happy to be in a final, but obviously, I come here to want to win the title.”
Emma Navarro, USA
the story of the open
• defeated three seeded players in a row to make first-ever grand slam semi-final
defining moment
• won a classic three-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium against fellow American Coco Gauff (also defeated Gauff at this year’s Wimbledon)
What they’re saying
• (on yesterday’s semi-final loss to Sabalenka) “It was a really amazing experience being out there…obviously it’s disappointing not to be able to get the win today…amazing atmosphere.”
Taylor Fritz, USA
the story of the open
• back-to-back wins against higher-seeded opponents
• Beat Alexander Zverev in third quarterfinal of this year’s four grand slams
defining moment
• after two double faults and a loss on a 37-stroke point, Fritz faced a key break point at 4-4 in the third set. He won the next three points on his way to winning the set
What they’re saying
• “I feel amazing. I’ve had a lot of looks at quarterfinals over the past couple of years. Today felt different. It’s only fitting that I’m doing it here on this court at the Open in front of this crowd.”
Francis Tiafoe, USA
The story of the open
• has battled his way to the semi-final, only winning one of his first five matches in straight sets
defining moment
• incredible come-from-behind performance against fellow American Ben Shelton after trailing two sets to one in what was an instant classic
What they’re saying
• “Friday is going to be one hell of a day. It’s the biggest match of mine and Taylor’s life.”
