Taylor Fritz defeats Darwin Blanch in straight sets at US Open

Taylor Fritz advanced to the second round of the 2026 US Open after defeating 18-year-old Darwin Blanch at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The ninth-seeded Fritz secured a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 victory on Tuesday without surrendering a set. Throughout the match, Fritz recorded 14 aces and maintained control by losing only one point behind his first serve in the opening set. The win marks a clean start for the American, who is seeking his first Grand Slam title and attempting to end a long-standing drought for American men at major tournaments. Having previously reached the US Open final in 2024, Fritz now moves forward to face Mattia Bellucci in the next round. His straightforward advancement contrasts with other contenders who required longer, more physically demanding matches to secure their spots in the tournament.

• 1:10 PMYahoo Sports — Taylor Fritz opens US Open with exactly the statement America needed