The tennis world is going through a monumental shift. With Roger Federer already retired and Rafael Nadal nearing the end of his legendary career, the dawn of a new era is in sight. And now, at this year’s US Open, Novak Djokovic—one of the remaining titans of the Big Three—has faced an unexpected exit, sending shockwaves through the tennis community. But amid the transition, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation. Enter Taylor Fritz and his coach, Michael Russell, who believes this moment is brimming with opportunity for the next generation.

Fritz is gearing up to take on compatriot Frances Tiafoe in the semifinal of the US Open on Friday. He is just two matches away from becoming the first American player to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick did it in 2003. With the Big Three nowhere in the picture for the tournament, Michael Russell is of the view that the new and budding talents can become formidable in such a scenario. 

Speaking in an interview with ATP Tour.com, Russell said, “It helps a lot, because those three, the Big Three, they dominated the sport for decades. So now they’re stepping away, all of a sudden there’s new blood in the mix. All of a sudden you have new champions.” Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer became the faces of men’s tennis in the last two decades. The trio lifted a total of 66 Grand Slam trophies between 2003 and 2023. In the US Open alone, the trophy was shared between these three for a total of 13 times in the past 20 editions. But with Fed retired and the other two at the fag end of their career now, Russell sees a new hope among the young players. 

“All the guys see that, ‘Hey, it could be my turn now’. Not to say they can’t beat those guys, but they really did dominate to the point where they were never losing matches.” Interestingly, all the Grand Slams that took place this season, were bagged by budding stars like Jannik Sinner who won the Australian Open, and Carlos Alcaraz who emerged victorious at the French Open and Wimbledon. “Now you’ve got new winners, new guys coming up, and all these guys, including Taylor, they think they can win Grand Slams,” Russell further added. 

However, Russell is not the only person to see this as an opportunity for the young players. A similar sentiment is prevalent among the players themselves. In an interaction in June, that was featured on the Tennis Channel, Alcaraz expressed great pride in holding the top position in the ATP ranking. “Being number 1 and number 2, 21, and 22 years old, or 23, it’s something unbelievable.” Continuing further, he explained that such an achievement is needed because it boosts the morale of the young players. “I think Tennis, Tennis, needed that. Or I think so. The new generation or the young people, uh, standing in the top position, I think it’s something great. Having new faces in the top, uh for me, it’s something, its something, good for tennis.”

Coming back to Fritz though, although his coach is beaming with pride with his performance, the young player himself is not satisfied yet.

Taylor Fritz is not satisfied despite the success, reveals his team

Taylor Fritz has been nothing but spectacular at the ongoing US Open. On his road to the semifinals, the American star outshined the players ranked higher than him like Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud. However, despite this sensational form, the American is still not happy. 

Wolfgang Oswald, Fritz’s longtime physiotherapist, revealed Fritz’s frame of mind, as he said, “Before, maybe there was a sense of relief. ‘I made the second week, I made a quarter-final.” Oswald said. “He actually said it in a car the other day. He was like, ‘I’m not celebrating, because it’s not over. I’m not happy.”

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As Fritz is fully focused on his glorious run, it remains to be seen how fruitful his determination turns out to be during his match against Tiafoe. But one thing is certain, it will be an electrifying showdown at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.