Frances Tiafoe Advances to US Open Semifinals

Frances Tiafoe triumphed over Alexei Popyrin in a thrilling four-set match at the US Open, winning 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3. Despite Popyrin's recent victory over Novak Djokovic, he faltered under pressure, particularly in the second set where he squandered three set points while leading 5-2. Tiafoe, buoyed by the enthusiastic home crowd, turned the match around after initially struggling, securing his place in the quarterfinals against Grigor Dimitrov. Popyrin's performance marked his best showing at a Grand Slam, having reached the fourth round for the first time, but he lamented missed opportunities that could have changed the match's outcome. Tiafoe's victory places him among an elite group of American male tennis players who have reached three US Open quarterfinals since 2000. Both players expressed mutual respect in the aftermath of the intense competition.