For the first time since 2005, we will see an all-American battle in the US Open semi-final. Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe scored wins in their quarter-final duels at Arthur Ashe Stadium, securing the first American finalist at the home Major since 2006. Tiafoe reached his third straight quarter-final at the home Major, becoming the fourth American to achieve that since 2000 after Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. The home favorite battled against Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-final and led 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 4-1 after three hours and four minutes before the Bulgarian retired due to hamstring issues. Thus, the 20th seed became the first home player with multiple US Open semi-finals since Andy Roddick in 2006. Dimitrov wished to enter his first US Open semi-final since 2019. However, he could not recover from his five-setter against Andrey Rublev, struggling to move and not finishing the duel at Majors for the first time since Wimbledon 2022. Both players struggled to find the first serve and were equally efficient after landing it in.
Frances Tiafoe, US Open 2024Ā© Stream screenshot
Frances Tiafoe will compete in his second US Open semi-final.
Tiafoe outplayed Dimitrov behind the second serve and made the difference in that segment. The American played against four break points and lost serve once while turning 42% of the return points into six breaks from 14 opportunities. Grigor fired more winners and unforced errors, battling hard until the middle of the third set before losing steam. The 20th seed made a reliable start to his third US Open quarter-final, serving well in the opener and keeping the pressure on the other side. The Bulgarian survived deuces in the first game of the encounter and a break point at 1-1, avoiding an early setback. However, Tiafoe made another push on the return in the fifth game, landing a volley winner on the third break point and moving in front. The home favorite served well in games six and eight and converted the fourth set point on the return at 5-3 after the rival’s forehand mistake, wrapping up the opener after 52 minutes.
Grigor Dimitrov & Frances Tiafoe, US Open 2024Ā© Stream screenshot
Frances served flawlessly at the beginning of the second set and grabbed a break in the fourth game to build a 4-1 advantage. The better-ranked player delivered his only break in the seventh game, erasing the deficit and reaching a tie break. Dimitrov led 6-3 before Tiafoe saved two set points with two mini-breaks. However, the more experienced player seized the third set point after the rival’s double fault, leveling the overall score after two hours and four minutes. The home star made a fresh start in the third set, serving well and mirroring his performance from the opener. Frances secured breaks in games five and nine, with Grigor suggesting to his team that he was done physically. The American lost one point in the opening three service games of the fourth set and broke from 15-40 in game two. Dimitrov retired after the fifth game, unable to endure until the end.