TAYLOR FRITZ CRASHES OUT OF US OPEN AFTER BLOWING TWO SET LEAD AGAINST FRANCISCO CERUNDOLO

Fritz, the No. 9 seed and one of America’s leading hopes for the title, appeared firmly in control after taking the opening two sets.

But Cerundolo produced a remarkable comeback to win 3 6, 4 6, 6 3, 6 4, 6 4 and advance to the fourth round.

Fritz had even secured an early break in the third set before the match dramatically turned in Cerundolo’s favour.

FRITZ LEFT STUNNED BY COLLAPSE

After the defeat, a devastated Fritz admitted he struggled to understand how the match slipped away.

“I don't know how I let that happen today,” Fritz said.

The American said he wanted some time away before returning to training and attempting to process the defeat.

It was a particularly painful exit for Fritz, who entered the tournament among the leading contenders and had not dropped a set before facing Cerundolo.

Cerundolo’s victory was only the second time in his career that he had recovered from two sets down to win a match.

ANOTHER TOP SEED FALLS

Fritz was not the only leading player eliminated during a dramatic day at Flushing Meadows.

Belgium’s Alexander Blockx produced another major upset by defeating Italian No. 6 seed Flavio Cobolli.

Cobolli won the opening set before 21 year old Blockx took complete control, winning 6 7, 6 3, 6 0, 6 3.

The victory sends Blockx into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

He will now face Cerundolo for a place in the US Open quarterfinals.

ZVEREV SURVIVES

While several leading seeds have fallen, world No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev remains in contention.

The German defeated Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 6 2, 7 6, 6 2 to secure his place in the last 16.

The series of unexpected exits has opened up the men’s draw and created opportunities for players who entered the tournament outside the group of leading title favourites.

For Fritz, however, the tournament ends with one of the most painful collapses of his career.

VNTV