Frances Tiafoe transformed from an underdog to a strong contender at the U.S. Open in just 48 hours. After a tense third-round match against Ben Shelton, Tiafoe advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Alexei Popyrin, the player who had previously beaten defending champion Novak Djokovic. The match ended with a score of 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 after over three hours of play.
The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with Tiafoe now set to face Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals. This tournament holds significant importance for Tiafoe, as he reached the semifinals two years ago and the quarterfinals again this year. His first successful run in 2021 gave him immense confidence, but last year’s disappointing loss to Shelton weighed heavily on him.
Tiafoe reflected on that loss, noting how long it took him to regain his focus, only finding his form again at Wimbledon this year. His current performance, marked by an effective return game enhanced by new coach David Witt, demonstrates his readiness as a serious title challenger. Tiafoe’s decisive play against Popyrin showcased his ability to read the game, including a crucial break in the first set.
Despite some struggles in the third set, Tiafoe managed to rally, demonstrating his improved tactics and mental resilience. He highlighted the importance of learning to harness the crowd’s energy and credits his mental training for his ability to reset during tough moments. As he navigated through challenges in the match, he maintained composure, eventually closing it out with a remarkable drop volley.
Tiafoe’s journey from being considered an underdog to being a potential champion highlights his growth as a player and his determination to capitalize on this opportunity at the U.S. Open.