Sinner and Fritz make their way to the US Open final

Yesterday was a big day for tennis fans around the globe. Who would win an All-American semifinal showdown? Would fast friends (and doubles partners), an Italian and Brit, put on a good show? Answers came fast-and-furious as the men's semifinals did not disappoint.

After battling his way through a tough five-setter, Taylor Fritz fought off compatriot Frances Tiafoe, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, in a thriller of a match. Pressures ran high last night as Fritz had to defend his turf as the No. 1 American male player. He can rest (at least a little bit) easier from here on out.

Photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships. 

"I think today was much more stressful than me playing [on Sunday in] the final. I just feel good. I have a feeling I'm going to come out and play really well and win. When I play good tennis, I think that level is good enough to win," Fritz told reporters. 

Fritz will be first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick back in 2009.

Earlier in the day, doubles partners and friends Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper faced off against one another. It was a tightly contested match, especially in the first two sets, but Sinner got the win in three, 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-2. 

Photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships. 

In turn, Sinner will play for the second major title of his career after becoming champion at the other hard court Slam, the Australian Open, earlier this year. That said, he'll have to face an American at the US Open. 

"It's right, the atmosphere is what it's going to be. I mean, we are in America, we are in New York playing against an American, so it's going to be, for sure, the crowd a little bit more on their side," Sinner said. 

But Sinner is ready for the challenge. He added, "It's normal. It's like when I play in Italy, no? It's a bit the same. So I'm going to accept that. I have my team and my people who are close to me. In my mind, I know that there are many people watching from home from Italy, and it's just take some support from them."

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 Written by Florida Tennis Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Top  photo credit: US Open Tennis Championships.