It seems as if the stars continue to align for Frances Tiafoe at the US Open this year after setting up an epic semi-final clash with compatriot Taylor Fritz.
There was much pre-tournament hype and anticipation around the five Americans who found themselves inside the ATP‘s top 20.
It’s anticipation that continues to be fuelled by the success of Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, who have guaranteed that an American will contest a grand slam final for the first time since 2009.
The excitement of the blockbuster showdown between Shelton and Tiafoe will be hard to surpass, but if there is going to be a semi-final that will capture global attention, it’s going to be this one.
The pair have met seven times at tour level, with the previous six going the way of Fritz, but Tiafoe is no stranger to success under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Frances Tiafoe reflects on his relationship with Taylor Fritz
While Fritz has been the regular occupier of the American number-one spot, Tiafoe has been able to achieve more success at the US Open.
He was on the cusp of the final in 2022 before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets, and was agonizingly beaten by compatriot Ben Shelton in the quarter-final 12 months later.
Ahead of their eagerly-anticipated semi-final, Tiafoe spoke of his relationship with Fritz, which has blossomed over the past decade.
“As personalities you couldn’t meet two more extreme [different people],” Tiafoe said in a press conference. “He [Fritz] is a video gamer, never leaves the room, goofball.
“I am loud and obnoxious at times. But he’s also very funny, he has that dry humour, smart ass. But that’s why we like each other because we’re so different. Then as competitors we are very alike. Hate to lose. We battle hard. But personalities we are very different.
“It’s funny to see our relationship as we have gotten older. Taylor and I have spoken about being one and two Americans for a very long time. I remember we were on a plane 10 years ago, he is pretty to himself dude, and he said I think me and you are going to be one and two Americans leading the way.
“Coming from him! I was like dang dude, 6am, I am pretty tired but let’s do it!
“He has had that mindset and pushed me a lot. Even at times when I’m playing really badly and he is doing [well], I think we have always pushed each other.
“I think it’s great we get to compete with each other, I am happy for him and he’s happy for him. Let the best man win come Friday, get your popcorn, it’s going to be epic!”
Stars aligning for Tiafoe at the US Open
The US Open has been a happy hunting ground for Tiafoe in recent years and has firmly established itself at the top of his bucket list of tournaments to win.
It felt as if it was deja vu, however, when Tiafoe found himself 2-1 down in sets to compatriot Shelton in the third round, but the 26-year-old had other ideas as he mustered up some of his best tennis to produce an epic comeback.
Tiafoe has learned a lot from that crushing defeat 12 months ago and it appears as if he is as hungry as ever to win the title this time around.
Fritz will go in as the favorite come Friday, but I wouldn’t be counting out Tiafoe so soon.
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