Epic Showdown: Will Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe Become the 12th American Man to Reach the US Open Final?”

The stage is set for a historic showdown on Friday night as either Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe is poised to make history at the US Open. For the first time in 19 years, two American men will clash in a Grand Slam singles semi-final at their home tournament. The winner will become the 12th American male of the Open Era to reach the final of the US Open, joining an elite list of tennis legends.

 

Here’s a look at the 11 American men that Fritz and Tiafoe hope to emulate:

 

**Arthur Ashe (1968, 1972):** Ashe was the first US Open champion of the Open Era, winning the title in 1968 by defeating Tom Okker. He reached the final again in 1972 but lost to Ilie Nastase. Ashe’s 1968 victory was the first of his three Grand Slam singles titles.

 

**Stan Smith (1971):** Best known today for his iconic shoe brand, Stan Smith won his first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open in 1971, defeating Jan Kodes. He went on to win Wimbledon the following year.

 

**Jimmy Connors (1974-78, 1982-83):** Connors is tied for the most US Open men’s singles titles in the Open Era, with five to his name. He reached five consecutive finals from 1974 to 1978, winning three. Connors later won back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1983, defeating Ivan Lendl on both occasions.

 

**John McEnroe (1979-81, 1984-85):** McEnroe, one of the most iconic American tennis players, reached five US Open finals and won four titles. He claimed three consecutive victories from 1979 to 1981, and after winning again in 1984, he was defeated by Lendl in 1985.

 

**Vitas Gerulaitis (1979):** Gerulaitis reached the US Open final in 1979 but lost to McEnroe in straight sets. Although he never won the US Open, Gerulaitis was a beloved figure in tennis and won the Australian Open in 1977.

 

**Pete Sampras (1990, 1992-93, 1995-96, 2000-02):** Sampras is one of the most successful players in US Open history, winning five titles and reaching three additional finals. He won his first title in 1990 by defeating Andre Agassi and claimed his final US Open title in 2002, also against Agassi.

 

**Andre Agassi (1990, 1994-95, 1999, 2002, 2005):** Agassi, a two-time US Open champion, reached six finals at his home Slam. His victories came in 1994 against Michael Stich and in 1999 against Todd Martin. He was also a finalist in 1990, 1995, and 2002, losing each time to Sampras, and in 2005 to Roger Federer.

 

**Jim Courier (1991):** Courier, a four-time Grand Slam champion, reached the US Open final in 1991 but was defeated by Stefan Edberg.

 

**Michael Chang (1996):** Best known for his French Open victory at the age of 17, Chang reached the US Open final in 1996, where he was defeated by Sampras.

 

**Todd Martin (1999):** Martin, a former world No. 4, reached the US Open final in 1999 but fell short against Agassi in a five-set battle.

 

As Fritz and Tiafoe prepare to battle, they aim to add their names to this illustrious list and make their mark in

UpAmerican tennis history.