Cerundolo stuns Fritz at US Open, opens men's draw wide

Argentine Francisco Cerundolo mounted an impressive second-half recovery to dispatch former US Open finalist Taylor Fritz 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in a marathon encounter that stretched across five sets.

Fritz appeared to be in complete control after capturing the opening two sets, establishing a commanding position with a break of serve in the third. However, Cerundolo refused to concede defeat, steadily regaining momentum as the match progressed. The 23-year-old Argentine seized the initiative in the third set and carried that momentum through the final two frames, eventually prevailing after more than three hours of play.

The upset eliminates one of the tournament's seeded contenders and points to a potentially unpredictable men's draw at Flushing Meadows. Fritz, bidding to add another finals appearance to his resume, was unable to convert his advantage into a successful progression, leaving the path open for numerous challengers to stake their claim on the championship.

Cerundolo advances to the next round having demonstrated the resilience and tactical adjustments needed to overcome early setbacks on one of tennis's most demanding stages.