Seventeen-year-old American Marcel Latak captured the US Open boys’ singles title on Saturday, defeating top seed Guto Miguel of Brazil 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(13) after saving three championship points.
Dominant Performance Throughout the Tournament
Latak led the deciding tie-break 7/2 and later 9/6, saw those advantages disappear, then closed the match with a backhand winner and collapsed to the court in celebration. It was the only set he lost all tournament.
The run to the final was dominant. Latak did not drop a set before the title match, posting wins over sixth seed Ziga Sesko in the first round, 10th seed Dimitar Kisimov in the third round, fourth seed Keaton Hance in the quarter-finals, and second seed Jamie Mackenzie in the semi-finals. In total, he knocked out five of the top 10 seeds, including four of the top six.
With the victory, Latak became the first American to win the US Open boys’ singles crown since Taylor Fritz in 2015. The only other U.S. champions in this event this century are Andy Roddick (2000) and Jack Sock (2010).
Miguel, also 17 and the world’s top-ranked junior, arrived in New York as the Roland Garros boys’ singles champion. Earlier this season, he won a set in an ATP 500 main-draw match in Rio de Janeiro and at this tournament defeated Wimbledon junior champion Jordan Lee in the quarter-finals.
Afterward, Latak credited his comeback to smart adjustments in the second set and a steady mindset. He said he stayed aggressive despite missed chances and trusted his game under pressure to turn the match around. This victory not only highlights Latak’s potential but also marks a significant moment in American junior tennis.