Jessica Pegula was unable to hold back her excitement after finding out that Frances Tiafoe had set up an all-American semi-final clash with Taylor Fritz at the US Open.
Fritz ousted Zverev in four sets to snap his quarter-final curse at grand slam tournaments and book his spot in a maiden major semi-final.
A few hours later, Tiafoe kept his end of the deal as his opponent, number nine seed Grigor Dimitrov, was forced to retire when trailing 2-1 in sets.
This paved the way for Tiafoe to reach the last four at the US Open for a second time in three years, having been on the cusp of the final in 2022, only to be crushed by Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic.
An awe-inspiring turn of events at Flushing Meadows means that it is guaranteed that an American male will contest the final of a grand slam for the first time since 2009.
Jessica Pegula reacts as Frances Tiafoe sets up Taylor Fritz semi-final at US Open
Jessica Pegula continues to fuel the anticipation of American success on the women’s side as she faces world number one Iga Swiatek on Wednesday for a spot in what would also be her maiden semi-final.
Meanwhile, the stars seem to be aligning on the men’s side for Frances Tiafoe to finally clinch a US Open title.
It’s a desire that the 26-year-old has been extremely vocal about since he was reduced to tears following his defeat to Alcaraz in 2022.
However, he will have to get past compatriot Taylor Fritz who is oozing with confidence after a fairly comprehensive win over two-time major finalist Zverev.
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Sharing her reaction to the news, Pegula posted on X: “This makes me so happy.”
Who is the favorite – Tiafoe or Fritz?
With his comprehensive record in their head-to-head, coupled with his long-held status as American number one, Fritz will go into this eagerly-anticipated semi-final as the favorite.
However, Tiafoe is a different beast at the US Open.
Tiafoe ignited an incredible rivalry with Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows in 2022, and this has given him the hunger he now possesses to clinch the title in New York.
It is the hunger that has dragged him over the line in prior battles when it seemed as if he was down and out, and it might well be the hunger that is shining through this year as he bids to achieve his most desired goal.
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