On Sunday, Taylor Fritz will go head-to-head with Jannik Sinner in the US Open men’s final at 2 p.m. ET (ABC; ESPN+). Sinner, currently the world No. 1 and the Australian Open champion from earlier this year, will face Fritz, who is competing in his first Grand Slam final. Can Fritz pull off an upset? Here’s what the experts have to say.


What can Fritz do to defeat Sinner?


Brad Gilbert: Fritz needs to serve exceptionally well and take risks with his second serve, using his serve to set up his forehand and control the rallies. During neutral exchanges, he should be aggressive with his forehand.


D'Arcy Maine: It’s straightforward: Fritz needs to play the best match of his career. His resilience in his five-set victory over Frances Tiafoe highlighted his ability to stay competitive, even under pressure. To win, Fritz must maintain that mental toughness and avoid any lapses in performance.


Bill Connelly: Fritz must elevate his return game. Though he has won three of their five previous sets, they haven’t faced each other since Indian Wells 2023, before Sinner’s recent breakthrough. With Sinner’s serve improving significantly this year, Fritz will need to make the most of any break opportunities and excel in tiebreakers.


Ohm Youngmisuk: Fritz should deliver his strongest serve of the tournament and outlast Sinner physically, as he did against Tiafoe. Avoiding Sinner’s powerful forehand and keeping the crowd engaged will be crucial. Fritz needs to make the atmosphere feel like a home advantage and keep the energy high.


What can Sinner do to defeat Fritz?


Gilbert: Sinner must maintain his first-serve accuracy to set up his dominant rallies and continue his success in controlling the middle of the court, as he has throughout the tournament.


D'Arcy Maine: Despite facing scrutiny over a positive drug test earlier this year, Sinner has been exceptional. His powerful forehand and overall game make him a formidable opponent. Even with a potential crowd bias towards Fritz, Sinner’s experience and current form should help him handle the pressure.


Bill Connelly: Sinner should rely on his ability to grind out long points. While Fritz has improved his game, Sinner’s superior endurance and resilience will be crucial. His capability to adapt and perform under various conditions could secure him the win.


Ohm Youngmisuk: Sinner, known for his solid ball-striking, needs to be at his best, especially if his wrist injury from the semifinal affects him. He’ll also need to manage the crowd’s influence and maintain his high level of play to clinch his second Grand Slam title of the year.


Who will win?


D'Arcy Maine: Sinner is the likely winner. While an American triumph would be historic, Fritz might struggle under the pressure. Sinner, with his current form and experience, should win in four sets.


Bill Connelly: Sinner in four sets. His current form is nearly flawless, and he is well-equipped to handle the crowd and the challenge from Fritz.


Ohm Youngmisuk: If Sinner can focus on his game and disregard the crowd, he is well-positioned to secure his second major title of the year, joining an elite group of players who have won both the Australian Open and US Open in the same year.


The Betting Perspective


Pamela Maldonado: Taylor Fritz is +5 games against Jannik Sinner. Fritz’s powerful serve and improved movement have been key to his success. Despite the physical toll of his semifinal match, his form and Sinner’s recent wrist issue make him a viable contender. The over 39 games is also a strong option.