Frances Tiafoe reached the US Open semifinals for the second time in three years on Tuesday after Grigor Dimitrov retired in the fourth set with a leg injury. Tiafoe was on the rise and appeared to be just two games away from victory as he was ahead 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 4-1.
“Obviously it's not the way I wanted to get through it, but obviously I'm happy to get through it. Another semi-final here, unbelievable,” he said during his post-match interview as the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered him on. “It was a really high level game.”
Tiafoe will face Taylor Fritz on Friday in the US Open's first all-American semifinal since Robby Ginepri faced Andre Agassi in 2005. Both are trying to become the first American to win a major since Andy Roddick in 2003. An American man has not reached the final major of the year since 2009.
It was clear early in the night how hard-fought the game would be. The third game of the first set lasted about 10 minutes, which Dimitrov won and took a 2-1 lead. Tiafoe had not yet achieved any winners. However, the American remained calm and finally found a good rhythm. He was patient yet aggressive while attacking Dimitrov's second serve well and scoring two break points, including one that clinched the set.
Tiafoe took a 2-1 lead in the second set with his first ace of the game, but things started to click for Dimitrov. An hour passed in the second set and the Bulgarian star had forced a tiebreak. Dimitrov had a 6-3 lead before making two consecutive double faults to bring Tiafoe back into the game, but Tiafoe did the same and gave his opponent the set.
Tiafoe won the next set, with Dimitrov not looking 100%. He left the pitch limping before the fourth and it seemed like that was enough for him. Although he returned, he didn't look much better physically.
Tiafoe easily won the next three games before Dimitrov got on the board. After winning the fourth game, he crouched briefly and appeared to look at his left foot. Tiafoe won the next game and Dimitrov decided it was best to end the game early.
Tiafoe didn't celebrate much and remained respectful of his opponent, but in his post-match interview he shared how excited he is to face Fritz, a long-time friend, in the semifinals.
“It's the biggest game of mine and Taylor's life. We've known each other for so long… it will be great to have him play here in the biggest arena, in one of the biggest games in the world.” . I can't be more excited.