In the first season of ”Break Point,” a Netflix documentary about professional tennis, there’s a scene where Taylor Fritz’s coaches are advising him against playing in the Indian Wells final in 2022.

Before the biggest match of his career, Fritz had twisted his ankle during warm-ups badly enough that he couldn’t put any pressure on it afterward. He described it as one of the most agonizing pains he’d experienced. Yet, he was set to face Rafael Nadal in a tournament he had long cherished while growing up near San Diego, aiming to claim a title that many believe is just shy of a Grand Slam victory.

No matter the potential repercussions, Fritz wasn’t going to withdraw; he was determined to compete.

Incredibly, he ended up winning that monumental match 6-3, 7-6.

At 26, Fritz has been on the verge of stardom for several years. He often comes across as laid-back and somewhat detached, epitomizing the relaxed California lifestyle. Regardless of the highs or lows he faces, he rarely shows a burst of emotion.

Nevertheless, don’t underestimate Fritz; beneath that calm exterior, he’s developing into a fiercely competitive athlete on the ATP Tour.

He showcased this competitive spirit on Friday night by coming from behind to defeat his close friend and fellow American Frances Tiafoe with scores of 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the U.S. Open semifinals.

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Demonstrating remarkable instinct to persevere when faced with adversity and the flair to finish strongly when it mattered most, Fritz has now advanced to his first Grand Slam final, where he will compete against No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner on Sunday.

This moment has been a long time coming for Fritz, who has established himself as the top American player over recent years and has consistently improved since joining the ATP Tour.

Now, he stands poised to break a 21-year drought for American men in Grand Slam victories, a streak dating back to Andy Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open triumph.

While Fritz is set to face Sinner, who clinched his first Grand Slam title at this year’s Australian Open and boasts an impressive 54-5 record for the year, he has shown throughout his career that his toughness and competitive spirit are unwavering. This is particularly notable after previously losing four Grand Slam quarterfinals before finally succeeding at this U.S. Open.

On Friday, Fritz faced a formidable opponent who was performing exceptionally well. For more than three sets, Tiafoe exhibited such high-level play that it appeared the match was his to win, despite Fritz playing at a commendable level.

Yet as he broke Tiafoe’s serve to secure the fourth set and dominated the fifth set, Fritz proved his capability to compete at elite levels. Once perceived as a poor mover, he now sprinted across the court, extending rallies that were previously beyond his reach. Previously criticized for faltering in critical moments, he made only two unforced errors in the fifth set. And where he was once doubted regarding his endurance under pressure, he outlasted Tiafoe, who visibly struggled towards the match’s conclusion.

Despite his achievements, Fritz has received less recognition in the U.S. compared to Tiafoe and others. Given that he comes from a tennis background—his parents were both professional players—it’s understandable. He doesn’t boast the charismatic appeal of a cultural icon, nor has he attained the success necessary to capture the broader spotlight. In a sport filled with compelling stories and fascinating personalities, Fritz tends to blend into the background.

However, his journey to the U.S. Open final showcases his steady growth, personal development, and competitive resilience in pressure-packed situations. The question now is whether this will be sufficient to draw America’s attention; fans will tune in on Sunday to see if one of their own can secure a Grand Slam title after a two-decade wait.

Regardless of the outcome, it’s crucial to recognize Fritz as the best American tennis player of his generation who is now on the cusp of the sport’s pinnacle. When it comes to affirming a career, there aren’t many achievements that can rival this.

Stay updated with YSL News Sports columnist Dan Wolken on social media @DanWolken