Former finalist Taylor Fritz blew a two-set lead at the US Open on Saturday for only the second time in his career as Francisco Cerundolo managed a 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 upset shock to knock the ninth seed out in the third round.
it was the second time that the Argentine ranked 25th had rallied from the depths of two sets down, holding for 4-all in the fifth set after saving three break points and breaking Fritz a game later to advance.
The final game was a disaster for Fritz, who double-faulted, broke a shoelace as he faced a first match point and missing a forehand to exit after three and three-quarter hours. Fritz had been 44-1 lifetime after winning the first two sets.
Argentine No. 1 Cerundolo was stunned after one of the biggest wins of his career as he fourth from two sets and a break down.
“He was playing much better than me in the first two sets. But in the third when I broke back I started to get int the match step by step.
“I played some really good tennis.. I didn’t find that tennis in the previous sets. He’s a top player and I was for the first time on Ashe (showcourt). It was fantastic.
“I started out a little nervous and tight but I got used to it. My goal now is to recover and be in shape to play the round of 16.
Fritz came into the match after losing only 11 games and standing 10-1 in the US since July and the start of a hardcourt season. where he won the Washington title
“I mean yeah. I don’t even know what to say. I don’t really want to talk to anybody, see anybody,” he said.
“I kind of just need to get out for a couple days and get back to work. I don’t know how I let that happen today.”
The disappointed Californian added: “The first set, two and a half sets, I felt like he wasn’t serving great. Then I felt like the fourth and fifth he served incredible.
“He served really well. He served himself out of trouble in the fifth.
“My level from the baseline just declined a little bit. I wasn’t hitting the ball as good as I was earlier in the match. When that happens, it gets a little tougher to play those pressure moments, because I’m a bit more unsure about my ball striking.”
Roland Garros runner-up Flavio Cobolli was taken down 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 by tournament debutant Alexander Blockx, denying the Italian from reaching a hardcourt Grand Slam fourth round for the first time.
Main photo:- Francisco Cerundolo celebrates victory – by ATPTour.com
