US Open Briefing - US Results: Taylor Fritz launches local campaign with straight-set win

First day of the US Open and several of the big American stars are already on the court, led by world No. 4 Taylor Fritz - a finalist in 2024 - who debuted in an all-American duel against his compatriot Emilio Nava, with a simple victory in straight sets.

McCartney Kessler and Emma Navarro are two other stars headlining the first day in Flushing Meadows, where the locals are looking to repeat the success of previous years. The last local champion was Coco Gauff in 2023, while in 2024 they had representatives in both finals, with Fritz and Jessica Pegula finishing as runners-up.

Fritz cruises past Nava in All-American opener

Taylor Fritz secured a victory without too many setbacks in the first round of the tournament, looking to repeat a great campaign in New York—and why not even improve upon it—after reaching the final in 2024. The world No. 4 is defending a good amount of points, with the risk of losing positions and no longer being the American No. 1 for the first time in a couple of years. The 28-year-old player claimed the victory in just 2 hours, defeating Emilio Nava (No. 101) 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.

Fritz rallies from early pressure to take First Set

In the first set, Nava showed a lot of personality, putting the favorite, Fritz, in a tough spot at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 23-year-old was playing in the main draw of the US Open for the fourth time in his career, after receiving several wildcards between 2021 and 2023. He was the first to get a couple of break points in the first game, though he couldn't convert them. Nevertheless, he maintained good service games, keeping pace with Fritz, who had started serving.

By the fourth game, Nava had his first opportunity to break, but he couldn't convert it. Despite everything, both players held their service games without major setbacks, with the score remaining tied until 5-5. Fritz took the lead, and Nava had to serve to send it to a tie-break. However, he hesitated in the final part, and Fritz took advantage of the pressure of the moment to win the set on his first chance, 7-5.

Fritz's dominance grows with a quick second set

After 52 minutes, Fritz managed to get ahead of a resistant Nava in the first set and took the lead with ease. The second set began with both players winning their first service games to love, but in the fourth game, things got complicated for Nava. A couple of break opportunities were enough for Fritz to take the first break of the set and move ahead to a comfortable 4-1. With the advantage on his side, everything became easier for the world No. 4, who a few minutes later secured the second break and took the second set 6-2 after just 29 minutes.

Fritz cruises to victory in third set

Fritz was in complete control of the match, and with a two-set lead, there seemed to be little hope left for Nava. The 23-year-old managed to start the third set with a couple of break opportunities but couldn't convert them. Experience was key for Fritz, who only needed one chance in the fourth game to take the lead. In a few minutes, he was ahead 4-1 and then had to survive three break points against him to stay ahead, but he maintained his service. With no major opposition from his rival, Fritz ended up closing out the victory on his first match point, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, and secured his place in the second round of the US Open after two hours of play. His next challenge will be against the winner of the match between Sebastian Baez and Lloyd Harris (who came from the qualifiers).

Match Statistics Nava vs. Fritz