Taylor Fritz showcases his power, igniting hope to break the 23-year jinx of American tennis.

(Tennis result) Taylor Fritz fired 14 aces to defeat his 18-year-old compatriot Darwin Blanch 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, thereby booking a spot in the second round of the US Open.

Taylor Fritz had a smooth start at the US Open as he needed only three sets to get past Darwin Blanch. The 2024 runner-up dominated the match on Arthur Ashe Stadium with his powerful serve and superior experience.

Fritz lost only one point on his first serves in the opening set. The American created a turning point in the sixth game by breaking, before holding on to finish the set 6-3.

“Facing a young compatriot is never easy. However, I took advantage of the opportunities from his double faults and second serves,”Fritz shared.

In the second set, Blanch continued to keep the match tight in the early games. However, the 18-year-old gradually showed his inexperience as his unforced errors increased.

Fritz converted the fourth break point in the fifth game, then broke again in the seventh game. Two breaks helped the top American seed easily win the set 6-2.

Blanch sent a ball long on a break point in the very first game of the third set, thus falling behind once more. Fritz immediately stepped up and gave his younger opponent no chance to recover.

The 2024 US Open runner-up also faced the only two break points of the entire match in the second game. However, he saved them with an ace and a powerful backhand, before holding on and ending with a service winner to seal the 6-4 victory. He finished the match with 14 aces and did not lose a single service game.

Fritz's victory added joy to American men's tennis, after Frances Tiafoe survived a five-set battle and Ben Shelton came back from a set down.

The trio of Fritz, Tiafoe, and Shelton carry the hopes of ending a 23-year wait for an American men's singles Grand Slam champion. Andy Roddick remains the last American to achieve that, winning the 2003 US Open.

“Being one of the top American players, you face a lot of expectations. Feeling nervous is normal. When I saw Ben Shelton lose the first set then calm down to win the match, I realized that even if you start poorly, there's no reason to panic,”Fritz said.

After a convincing opening match, Taylor Fritz will face Italian Mattia Bellucci in the second round.