Tiafoe triumphed 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) in a four-hour, 38-minute match played in New York.
Tiafoe Overcomes Two-Set Deficit to Reach US Open Semis
According to CBS Sports, Tiafoe entered the match with a 2-17 career record at Grand Slams when trailing 0-2 in sets, including an 0-4 mark at the US Open. Eleventh-seeded Tiafoe struggled early against the 46th-ranked Michelsen, dropping the first two sets as his first-serve percentage dipped below 40 percent during the opening three frames, as reported by CBS Sports. Michelsen broke Tiafoe twice in the second set and seized a 5-3 lead in the third, serving for the match before Tiafoe secured a crucial break, according to match accounts. Tiafoe capitalized on his opponent’s mounting nerves to claim the third set 7-5 and level the contest by taking the fourth 6-3, as detailed by CBS Sports.
Deciding Fifth Set and 10-Point Tie-Break Details
Michelsen responded immediately in the fifth set by breaking Tiafoe at love and building a 3-0 lead, according to CBS Sports. Tiafoe recovered by breaking back in the fifth game, forcing a 10-point tie-break where he secured an early mini-break to lead 4-2 and eventually clinched the match 10-6 with a forehand winner up the line, as reported by CBS Sports. The victory earns the 28-year-old Tiafoe his third US Open semi-final appearance in five years, according to the BBC. Following the match lasting four hours and 38 minutes, a tearful Michelsen embraced Tiafoe at the net, as noted by the BBC.
Did you know? Frances Tiafoe has reached the US Open semi-finals three times in a span of five years.
Upcoming Semi-Final Opponent at Flushing Meadows
Tiafoe advances to face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton in the semi-finals, according to the BBC and CBS Sports. The winner of that quarter-final matchup will determine Tiafoe’s opponent as he pursues his first career Grand Slam singles final appearance, as reported by CBS Sports. Tiafoe acknowledged his slow start and praised his opponent after the match, telling reporters, “He’s a hell of a player and he easily could have won today,” according to the BBC.
Player Reactions and Post-Match Quotes
Reflecting on his recovery during the match, Tiafoe told broadcasters, “In the end I slowly started to get my rhythm. Snuck out that third set and got better and better,” as quoted by the BBC. He also credited the crowd for sustaining momentum during the late-night finish, adding, “Everyone was asleep in the first couple of hours, I was too. As it went along the energy was incredible as it is always,” according to the BBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Frances Tiafoe beat to reach the US Open semi-finals?
Frances Tiafoe defeated fellow American Alex Michelsen in a five-set quarter-final match.
What was the score of the Tiafoe vs. Michelsen US Open match?
Tiafoe won with a score of 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
Who will Frances Tiafoe play next in the US Open?
Tiafoe will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or eighth seed Ben Shelton in the semi-finals.
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