Frances Tiafoe produced a remarkable comeback at the US Open, recovering from two sets down and a 0-3 deficit in the decider to defeat Alex Michelsen in a thrilling quarter-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The American survived a four-hour, 38-minute battle against his younger compatriot, eventually prevailing 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 7-6(10-6) to book his place in the semi-finals.
Tiafoe appeared to be heading for an early exit after dropping the opening two sets. Michelsen then moved within touching distance of victory in the third set, holding a 5-4 lead while serving for the match.
However, the momentum shifted when Michelsen produced two costly double faults. Tiafoe took advantage of the opening, broke back and eventually won the set 7-5 to keep his hopes alive.
The 28-year-old continued to fight in the fourth set, breaking Michelsen to level the match and force a decider.
Even then, Tiafoe faced another major challenge after falling 0-3 behind in the fifth set. Rather than allowing the deficit to end his run, he gradually worked his way back into the contest and forced a deciding tie-break.
Michelsen had earlier held a match point, but could not close out the contest. Tiafoe remained composed when it mattered most, winning the final tie-break 10-6 to complete one of the biggest comebacks of his career.
The victory sends Tiafoe into his third US Open semi-final. He is the first American man since Andre Agassi to reach the last four in New York at least three times in the 21st century.
The result also guarantees Tiafoe a return to the ATP Top 10 for the first time since September 2023. He is set to rise four places in the rankings following his run at Flushing Meadows.
Despite the defeat, Michelsen showed plenty of quality throughout the contest and actually finished with more total points than Tiafoe, winning 173 compared with his opponent's 170.
The match also featured 40 break-point opportunities, with both players converting eight. The numbers reflected how closely contested the match was, with neither player able to establish lasting control.
Tiafoe's reward is another major semi-final and the chance to go even further on home soil. He will face either defending champion and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz or fellow American Ben Shelton.
Tiafoe has already faced both potential opponents at the US Open, meeting Alcaraz once and Shelton twice in previous editions of the tournament.
After surviving one of the most dramatic matches of his career, Tiafoe now has another opportunity to make a deep run at the Grand Slam where he has enjoyed some of his biggest moments.
