American Taylor Fritz is in the US Open final versus world number one Jannik Sinner. Fritz showed heart, endurance, and mental toughness to reach his first Grand Slam championship.
In the first Open all-American semifinal since 2005, Fritz defeated the surprisingly game Frances Tiafoe in five sets, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Ultimately, Tiafoe came out of the gates stronger than expected, but couldn't maintain his level of play. By the 5th, Tiafoe was out of gas, and given how much he sweats, electrolytes.
Fritz has surprised everyone, perhaps even himself, with his maturity and control. As we pointed out recently, Fritz had a breakthrough performance against Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon this year, and he's surging forward to claim the title of top US male player.
Let's get real: Taylor Fritz is straight out of a fantasy movie directed by, I don't know, maybe Greta Gerwig? Starring Margot Robbie, perhaps.
The dude is tall, lanky, great smile, and cool as hell. But he's nothing compared to his girlfriend.
What do you call it when the WAG is bigger than the sports star? Fritz's gf has more social media followers than Fritz himself. Ouch, bro! Morgan Riddle (Margot Robbie...Morgan Riddle...they even share initials!) met Fritz in June, 2020.
They've been blowing up together ever since. Riddle is a fashion influencer, and with her lithe figure, perfect bow lips, and blonde mane, she's hard to ignore. In fact, her looks are so perfect, she gives AI. It's a case of the sports superstar being partially overshadowed by his love interest.
Is Fritz...a Ken?
We'll find out on Sunday. If Fritz manages to slay the ginger Italian (since when is that a thing?), he'll be a hero. Some of us might even forget about his Barbie arm candy.
Maybe.
No matter what transpires on Sunday afternoon--and the forecast is perfect, so expect an open roof on Arthur Ashe--American tennis is back, baby. The only question is, will Fritz be Kenough? If so, perhaps he'll buy a new Mojo Dojo Casa House for his insanely hot gal.
Regardless, you can tell how much the win meant for Fritz in this interview:
