ATP Tour

My US Open: Taylor Fritz

As the American No. 1, Taylor Fritz has built a strong bond with the US Open over the years.

The California native made his main-draw debut at Flushing Meadows in 2016 and produced an awe-inspiring run to last year’s final before falling to the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, Jannik Sinner. From early childhood memories to his career-best performance in 2024, Fritz caught up with ATPTour.com to discuss what makes the US Open so special to him.

Read more US Open insights and memories from ATP Tour stars in our ‘My US Open’ series.

What was your first memory of watching the US Open as a kid?
It was watching my mom play the senior doubles. I would go to the US Open when I was really young because my mom would play the seniors.

What are your first memories of playing there yourself?
It was the juniors for me. I got a wild card into the qualifying of the juniors and I was so pumped to play. I was nervous because I hadn’t played a lot of world events, with players from other countries, so I thought the guys I was going to play against would be the best players ever. I was hoping not to get beaten really badly.

Outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium, which court do you prefer to play on?
Louis Armstrong Stadium, for sure. Armstrong just feels like my court.

What’s the best match you’ve played at the US Open?
It’s tough to say because I don’t feel like I ever played a match at the Open where I played out of my mind. I think I played really well against [Matteo] Berrettini in the second round last year. That was one of the best matches I played.

What were your first impressions of the US Open as a player?
I remember how crowded everything was, because early in the tournament when everyone is there, it can get super crowded in the player’s area. I was just so happy to be there. I remember how packed it was on the side courts with the big stands, like Court 12 or Court 7. It was really cool.

What are your thoughts on New York City?
I have never really loved the city, but I have come to enjoy it for the two weeks that we are there, that’s perfect. The time we are there for the Open is a great time to be in the city.

What does a day off in the city look like?
I would probably rather stay in, chill and play video games, but if I was going to go out and do something I would bike around Central Park.

Is there anything you associate with the US Open?
Honey Deuce [cocktails], that’s the big thing at the Open.