Francisco Cerundolo Rallies From Two Sets Down to Stun Taylor Fritz at US Open

Francisco Cerundolo produced a five-set comeback to eliminate ninth seed Taylor Fritz in the third round of the US Open, winning 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Guardian reported that the Argentine recovered from two sets down and an early break in the third set to end the leading American's run at Flushing Meadows.

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Fritz controlled the opening phase, taking the first two sets before breaking Cerundolo in the first game of the third. That advantage placed him in a commanding position, but the match shifted after Fritz surrendered his own serve. Cerundolo then steadied his game and won the third set to begin a comeback that extended the contest by another two hours.

Cerundolo carried that momentum through the fourth set, leveling the match before prevailing in the decider. Fritz still had a major opening late in the fifth: according to The Guardian, he held three break points that would have given him a 5-3 lead and the opportunity to serve for the match. Cerundolo saved the danger, stayed level and completed the victory 6-4.

The defeat brought a sudden end to another home campaign for Fritz, who reached the US Open final in 2024. That run made him the first American man to reach the singles championship match in New York since Andy Roddick in 2006. Fritz had also reached the quarter-finals at the tournament in both 2023 and 2025, making his third-round exit a sharp departure from his recent record.

The result also removed one of the highest-profile American contenders from a men's draw that had already opened up. The Guardian reported that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner was absent through injury, while Novak Djokovic lost in the first round. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz entered the event in his first tournament after a four-month injury layoff.

Cerundolo's recovery was therefore significant beyond the drama of the scoreline. He absorbed Fritz's strongest stretch, overcame a break deficit and then resisted the American's late chances in the deciding set. For Fritz, the loss ended an opportunity to make another deep run on home soil; for Cerundolo, it secured a place in the fourth round after one of the tournament's most notable comebacks.