Fritz: "I don't feel like I played my best tennis".

Taylor is the first American to reach the US Open final since 2006, 18 years ago.

Soundly beaten by Sinner in the final (6-3, 6-4, 7-5), the 26-year-old had some interesting things to say in his press conference.

Confessing to not having played at his best at Flushing Meadows, he explained: "Carlos, Novak and others lost early and that opened up the draw.

But, in the end, you can only beat the opponent on the other side of the net. But it's positive, yes. I'm in the final without feeling like I've played my best tennis during this tournament.

It was solid, but not exceptional. The backhand wasn't as good as usual. Yes, maybe tournaments are more open.

I no longer feel that you have to play incredible tennis to get far in the tables. But Carlos and Novak weren't there anymore.

If I'd had to play Novak, I'd really have had to play exceptional tennis.

But, as it is, if you play a solid game, you can aim for a quarter-final.

To beat the best, nothing changes, you always have to give your best."(comments relayed by L'Equipe).