World number one Jannik Sinner stormed past Taylor Fritz to win the U.S. Open and secure a second Grand Slam title of the year. Italy's Sinner, who won his first major title at the Australian Open in January, held off a late charge from American 12th seed Fritz to win 6-3 6-4 7-5. It comes just 19 days after it was revealed he had been cleared of any wrongdoing after twice testing positive for a banned substance in March.
The 23-year-old held his arms aloft and looked up to the sky as he became the first player since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season. He is also the first Italian man to win the singles title at Flushing Meadows.
Sinner said the title "meant so much because the last period of my career was not easy" before he became tearful and dedicated the victory to his aunt.
"My aunt is not feeling well health-wise and I don't know how much longer I have her in my life," he said.
"It's nice I can still share these moments with her. She is an important person in my life and still is.
"If there was a wish I could make, I would wish good health on everyone but unfortunately it's not possible."
Fritz, meanwhile, was unable to become the first American male Grand Slam singles champion in 21 years.
Andy Roddick, who was watching from the stands, remains the last American man to lift a major singles trophy, having won the U.S. Open in 2003.
"I know we have been waiting for a champion for a long time so I'm sorry I couldn't get it done this time," said Fritz.
