Taylor Fritz, the late blooming son of an American tennis star of the 1970s, is headed to the U.S. Open final to face down Jannik Sinner.

Relying on the big serve, expanding toolbox and thickening spine that have allowed him to compete with the best players in the world in recent years, Fritz twice fought back from a set down against Frances Tiafoe, his close friend and training partner from their teenage years.

“He was overwhelming me from the baseline,” Fritz said on the court. “I just told myself to stay in and fight.” And he listened.

In the first U.S. Open semifinal between two American men in 19 years, Fritz triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. He is the first American man to reach the U.S. Open final since 2006, when Andy Roddick lost to Roger Federer.