adminFrances Tiafoe becomes the first Black American man to reach a US Open semi-final since Arthur Ashe in 1972; “I want to play, I want to give my best,” said the 24-year-old.
Frances Tiafoe followed up his victory over Rafael Nadal by beating Andrey Rublev to become the first American man to reach the US Open semi-finals for 16 years.
Not since Andy Roddick in 2006 has a home player reached the last four in the men’s singles, and Tiafoe is attempting to become the first home champion since Roddick won his only Grand Slam title in 2003.
The 24-year-old pulled off the win of his life against Nadal in the fourth round and this was just as impressive, with Tiafoe keeping his composure while his Russian opponent became more and more frustrated to claim a wonderful 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 victory in front of a boisterous partisan crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“This is wild, this is crazy,” said Tiafoe. “Biggest win of my life, coming out and getting another big win. It’s huge growth. It’s tough to turn a page but I did and now I’m in the semis.
“I feel so at home on courts like this. I want to play, I want to give my best. Let’s enjoy this one but we’ve got two more guys.” Tiafoe, who was sent a good luck message by the president of Sierra Leone, was superb in the big moments against Rublev with his powerful ball-striking and willingness to come forward.
He saved a set point in the 12th game of the opening set before playing two superb tie-breaks, especially the second one, where he did not lose a point.
When Tiafoe broke serve to lead 4-3 in the third set, Rublev was virtually in tears, and the Russian, for whom this was a sixth grand slam quarter-final defeat, continued to berate himself. Skysports
Tiafoe kept his nerve superbly, saving a break point in the next game with the deftest of volleys before serving out the victory. – Skysports.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter