The top-ranked Americans were hardly tested as ninth seed Fritz crushed compatriot Steve Johnson 6-2 6-1 6-2 in Louis Armstrong Stadium after Tiafoe, the 10th seed, beat American Learner Tien 6-2 7-5 6-1 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
There have been 78 consecutive Grand Slams played since Andy Roddick won the 2003 U.S. Open, and hopes that an American man can snap that title drought at one of the sport's blue-riband events have fallen largely on the shoulders of Fritz and Tiafoe.
I was calm and I thought I played a really good match," said Fritz.
Tiafoe faced a tricky opening test in Tien, who at 17 was the youngest player in the main draw and earned a U.S. Open wild card after winning a second consecutive USTA Boys' 18s National Championship.
"I have so many good memories from last year and all I am focused on is the U.S. Open," said Tiafoe.
Persons:
Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Shannon Stapleton, Taylor Fritz, Fritz, Steve Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Arthur Ashe, Andy Roddick, Tiafoe, Johnson's, Tien, Tommy Paul, Stefano Travaglia, Christopher Eubanks, South Korean Kwon, Frank Pingue, Josie Kao
Organizations:
Tennis, Learner, U.S, REUTERS, Tiafoe, USTA Boys, New York, U.S ., South, Thomson
Locations:
Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, American, U.S, South Korean, Toronto