Frances Tiafoe displayed remarkable resilience Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, clawing back from two sets down to beat 22‑year‑old Alex Michelsen 5‑7, 6‑3, 7‑5, 6‑3, 7‑6 (10‑6). The five‑hour, 38‑minute match secured Tiafoe’s third US Open semifinal and propelled him back into the world’s top ten for the first time in three years.
Match recap
Tiafoe fell behind early, dropping the opening set 5‑7 and then losing the second 6‑3. Despite the setback, he steadied his play in the third, breaking Michelsen to take the set 7‑5. The American continued his comeback in the fourth, winning 6‑3 and forcing a decisive fifth set.
In the final set, Michelsen surged to a 3‑0 lead, and Tiafoe’s frustration was evident when he smashed his racket on the court. Yet the veteran rallied, breaking back and eventually leveling the set. The contest culminated in a match tiebreak, where Tiafoe seized a 7‑4 advantage, followed by a 135‑mph ace that sealed a 10‑6 tiebreak win.
Historical significance
By joining Andre Agassi as the only American men to reach three US Open semifinals in this century, Tiafoe reinforced his status as a leading figure in U.S. men’s tennis. His performance also revives hopes for an American champion, a feat not achieved since Andy Roddick’s 2003 victory.
Earlier in his career, Tiafoe fell to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the 2022 final and to fellow American Taylor Fritz two years later, moments when the United States came close to ending its Grand Slam drought.
Looking ahead
Tiafoe now awaits the winner of the late‑night quarterfinal between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 seed Ben Shelton. An American victory would guarantee a U.S. presence in the final on Sunday, a prospect that could finally break the 23‑year men’s Grand Slam title drought.
After the match, Tiafoe told the crowd, “I’m going to enjoy this one, though. Let’s go!” He later jogged over to console the dejected Michelsen, who broke down in tears on his shoulder.
Impact on rankings
The win moves Tiafoe back into the top‑10 of the ATP rankings, a position he has not held since 2023. Michelsen, ranked No. 46, fell to 0‑6 in matches that extend to a fifth set, underscoring the difficulty of closing out long battles.
Fans and analysts praised Tiafoe’s tenacity, noting that his ability to stay composed under pressure exemplifies the fighting spirit that American tennis needs to reclaim its former glory.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
