Frances Tiafoe heads into the 2025 US Open with a singular goal: finally reaching the final of his home major.
The world No. 17 has already made Flushing Meadows feel like a stage he owns, highlighted by his upset of Rafael Nadal in 2022 and another deep run last year before losing in the semifinals to Taylor Fritz. After another summer on the hard courts, he enters the Open eager to break through for his first Grand Slam final. His best tennis tends to shine under the lights at Arthur Ashe, where the crowd’s energy often lifts his game.
Health permitting, Tiafoe remains one of the most dangerous players in the draw. The lead-up hasn’t been flawless—he retired in Cincinnati with a back issue and exited early in mixed doubles this week—but his confidence and flair at home give him a strong chance to push deep again.
The immediate task is clear: Tiafoe will begin his US Open run against Yoshihito Nishioka at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The first-round clash is slated to start around 1:30 p.m. ET on Monday, August 25, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. They meet with Tiafoe holding a 3-2 edge in the head-to-head, though Nishioka did win their most recent encounter in Dallas, signaling the American cannot overlook the challenge on home soil.
How to follow and watch
– TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel
– Live streams: Fubo and ESPN+
– ESPN+ streams up to 16 courts from start to finish each day, and the ESPN app is the go-to for every match
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US Open 2025 timing and schedule at a glance
The tournament runs from August 24 to September 7, with round-by-round play and show courts starting typically around 11:00 a.m. ET on most days. Tiafoe’s path in New York will unfold across the early rounds, followed by potential stays into the weekend as the bracket narrows toward the quarterfinals and beyond.
Frances Tiafoe at the hard-court slams
In his time at the hard-court majors, Tiafoe has already shown he can surge when the spotlight is brightest. After posting a memorable win over Nadal in 2022, he delivered another deep run last year before falling to Fritz in the semifinals. As the 2025 edition opens, the US Open represents his best chance yet to translate his regular-season form into a breakthrough result on the sport’s biggest stage.
Outlook
If he stays healthy and can disrupt opponents with his aggressive, high-energy game, Tiafoe has a legitimate shot to push into his first Grand Slam final. The home crowd, the night-time atmospheres on Ashe, and the combination of power and touch in his game give him a strong foundation for another deep run.
Summary
Frances Tiafoe arrives at the 2025 US Open with a clear objective: to reach his first Grand Slam final at his home major. With a proven track record at Flushing Meadows, a favorable but not easy early-round matchup against Yoshihito Nishioka, and a supportive home crowd, he remains one of the most compelling title contenders in the field. If health cooperates, a deep run and perhaps a maiden major final could be within reach.
Note: If the article’s information changes due to results or updates, this rewrite can be adjusted to reflect the latest outcomes and scheduling.