Two Sets Down, Then a Stunning Turnaround: Cerundolo Stuns Fritz

NEW YORK — Argentine 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo staged a remarkable comeback on Saturday, September 5, 2026, defeating ninth seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in a gripping third-round encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The victory marks Cerundolo's first appearance in the US Open fourth round and represents only the second time in his professional career that he has successfully overcome a two-set deficit. For Fritz, the defeat cuts short a promising home major campaign, delivering his earliest exit at Flushing Meadows in four years.

Baseline Shift and Match Turning Point

Fritz controlled the early exchanges, dictating play with his aggressive first-strike tennis and cruising through the opening two sets. However, the momentum shifted in the third set as Cerundolo began anchoring his position at the baseline, leveraging his heavy forehand and altering the pace to frustrate the American.

As unforced errors mounted from Fritz, Cerundolo seized crucial breaks in the third, fourth, and fifth sets. The defining moment arrived at 3-4 in the decider, where Cerundolo erased three break points before holding serve and immediately breaking Fritz to seal the match after 3 hours and 39 minutes.

According to tournament logs, match statistics, and official player updates:

• Match Duration: 3 hours and 39 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

• Set Breakdown: 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in favor of Cerundolo.

• Head-to-Head Impact: Moves Cerundolo to a 2-1 lead in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Fritz.

• Next Round Fixture: Cerundolo advances to face Belgian player Alexander Blockx in the Round of 16.

Official Sources Section

• US Open Official Championship Portal: Official match schedules, real-time tournament scoring updates, and player statistics.

• Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour: Official player rankings, head-to-head records, and match analytics.

Quote Section

"According to post-match player interviews, Francisco Cerundolo acknowledged his slow start, stating that after breaking back in the third set he found his rhythm and executed his game plan effectively through the remainder of the match."

Why It Matters

For the broader men's singles draw at Flushing Meadows, the exit of ninth seed Taylor Fritz removes a major contender from the bracket, altering paths toward the latter stages of the tournament. For Cerundolo, advancing to the second week of a hard-court Grand Slam signals a major career breakthrough, proving his competitiveness outside his preferred clay-court surface.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Tournament Stage: US Open 2026 — Third Round.

• Winner: Francisco Cerundolo (Seed 24, Argentina).

• Loser: Taylor Fritz (Seed 9, United States).

• Next Opponent: Alexander Blockx.

FAQ Section

What was the final score of the Francisco Cerundolo vs. Taylor Fritz match?

Francisco Cerundolo defeated Taylor Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

How long did the third-round match last?

The grueling encounter on Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted 3 hours and 39 minutes.

Who will Francisco Cerundolo play next in the US Open?

Cerundolo advances to the Round of 16 to face Belgium's Alexander Blockx.

Where can tennis fans check official tournament brackets and schedules?

Up-to-date tournament results and schedules are published directly via the US Open Official Portal.

Source: US Open Official Portal, ATP Tour, India Today Sports Desk, LiveMint News