Struff survives a dramatic finish to oust Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in the third round at the US Open, advancing to the fourth round after a match that swung on a pivotal moment late in the deciding set. The German veteran had looked in control for most of the match, but tense nerves surfaced as he served for the win at 5-3 in the third, double-faulting three times before regrouping. He finally closed it out on a blistering first serve in the ensuing tiebreak.
The victory keeps Struff’s surprising run going after he battled through qualifying and has earned a shot at a major name next, with Novak Djokovic or Cameron Norrie waiting in the night session. Struff, now 35 and renowned for his persistence, showed again why he remains a thorn in the side of rising stars and veteran contenders alike.
Struff’s path to this moment has been a steady climb. He overcame injury issues and the need to qualify to reach the round where a high-profile acquaintance of the New York crowd awaited. His win over Tiafoe adds another strong result to a summer that already featured notable early-round success for the German, underscoring his ability to raise his game when it matters most.
In other results from the day:
– Ben Shelton retired with a shoulder injury against Adrian Mannarino, ending a promising run on Stadium Court and leaving Mannarino to advance.
– On Arthur Ashe, Jessica Pegula defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5, continuing Pegula’s steady progress while Azarenka battled through a troublesome leg.
– Marketa Vondrousova edged Jasmine Paolini 7-6, 6-1, continuing her solid form as she presses toward the later rounds.
What this means for Struff
– He moves on to a huge test in the next round, with Djokovic or Norrie looming, offering another opportunity to notch a landmark victory at a major.
– His ability to reclaim momentum after the 5-3 service-for-the-win hiccup demonstrates his resilience and mental fortitude, traits that have helped him stay competitive deep into Grand Slams.
Summary
– Struff outlasts Tiafoe in a three-set thriller, overcoming a late-service tumble to win the deciding set in a tiebreak and book a matchup against either Djokovic or Norrie.
– The day also featured significant results across the draws, including Pegula’s win over Azarenka and Mannarino’s progression after Shelton’s retirement.
A hopeful note
– Struff’s ongoing form and fighting spirit offer a positive narrative for a veteran player who has faced setbacks but continues to produce big wins at the sport’s biggest stages. Fans in New York witnessed another example of why experience and grit can level even the brightest rising stars.