American Frances Tiafoe has advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open, marking the third consecutive year he has reached this stage at Flushing Meadows. With this accomplishment, Tiafoe joins Andy Roddick as the only American men to achieve this feat since 2008.
American tennis star Frances Tiafoe has continued his impressive run at the 2024 US Open, reaching the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. Tiafoe's victory on Sunday night over Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3 propelled him to this historic milestone.
The 26-year-old Tiafoe has become the first American man to reach the US Open quarterfinals three times in a row since Andy Roddick achieved the same feat from 2006 to 2008. Tiafoe's consistency and determination have earned him a place among the tournament's top performers.
Tiafoe Continues Historic US Open Run, Reaches Third Consecutive Quarterfinal
Tiafoe's journey to the quarterfinals has been filled with both triumphs and challenges. In 2022, he reached the semifinals but was defeated by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. Last year, he lost to fellow American Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals. However, this year, Tiafoe avenged his previous loss to Shelton by defeating him in a thrilling five-set match.
The turning point in Tiafoe's victory over Popyrin came during the second set. Tiafoe rallied from a 5-3 deficit to force a tiebreak, which he eventually won. This momentum-shifting moment proved crucial in propelling Tiafoe to the victory.
Tiafoe Continues Historic US Open Run, Reaches Third Consecutive Quarterfinal
"I think the second set was a huge, huge win for me," Tiafoe said. "To break there and then to win that set was huge."
Popyrin, the 28th seed from Australia, expressed disappointment with his performance in the second set. "Definitely a lost opportunity," he said. "I've been saying all week that I think against these top players you have to take your chances when you have them."
Tiafoe Continues Historic US Open Run, Reaches Third Consecutive Quarterfinal
Tiafoe's victory adds to the impressive performance of American men at this year's US Open. Taylor Fritz has also secured a spot in the quarterfinals, and if Tommy Paul upsets top-ranked Jannik Sinner on Monday, the U.S. will have three men in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.
Tiafoe will face world no. 9 Grigor Dimitrov on Tuesday for a semifinal berth. Tiafoe has a 1-3 record against Dimitrov in their previous encounters.
Tiafoe's success at the US Open is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed at a high level and has shown a remarkable ability to overcome adversity. His journey to the quarterfinals is an inspiration and a reminder that anything is possible with determination and perseverance.
