American Francis Tiafoe, world No. 26 and Rafael Nadal’s No. 8 scorer, advanced to the US Open on Wednesday for his first Grand Slam tournament semifinal by beating Russia’s Andrei Rublev (No. 11) 7-6 (7/3). ), 7-6 (7/0), 6-4.
“It’s crazy to get another big win (after Nadal), against such a difficult player,” Tiafoe commented before leaving the Arthur-Ash court.
At 24, his best result in a Major was a quarterfinal he played at the Australian Open in 2019. He will try to reach the final at Flushing Meadows on Friday against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (4th) or Italy’s Jannik Sinner (13th).
“I feel at home, this stadium is incredible, everyone is pushing me, I have to give my best. I’m taking advantage of these moments, but there are two matches left. It’ll be tough, let Alcaraz and the Sinner fight, but I’m ready, against anyone. »
Against Rublev, who was playing in his sixth Major quarterfinal (his 3rd in New York), neither player dropped the match until 3-3 in the third set when Tiafoe managed to break his opponent and then saved two break point to leave with 5-3.
The American served for the match at 5-4 and finished with an ace.
