US Open: Frances Tiafoe provides the next surprise
The American Frances Tiafoe (ATP No. 50) surprisingly took Andrey Rublev (ATP No. 7) out of the tournament.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit:
Sep 05, 2021, 09:32 am

What a day, what a night at the US Open in New York! And after Stefano Tsitsipas and Naomi Osaka , the next top ten player got hit. Because Frances Tiafoe put on a sensational performance against Andrey Rublev, won in the end - shortly after 2 a.m. local time in New York - with 4: 6, 6: 3, 7: 6 (6), 4: 6 and 6: 1.
Tiafoe ripped off his shirt after his victory and let the spectators and his box celebrate him. "You were amazing, you are the reason I won today!" He said in conversation with Darren Cahill.
Against Rublev he fended off a set ball in the third round, in the fifth set he played like a piece, especially shooting the forehand faster and more regularly into the field. The critical game to 3-0 was the preliminary decision, Rublev remained after Tiafoe 5-0 lead only the honor game. "I've been working towards these matches my whole life. When I woke up this morning I knew I was going to beat him," said Tiafoe.
Tiafoe in the surprise draw with Gojowczyk
The 23-year-old Tiafoe, years ago one of the greatest hopes for the Americans, but often too impetuous and inconsistent, meets youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 16.
The field in his quarter is therefore quite open: Auger-Aliassime, Tiafoe, Alcaraz or Peter Gojowczyk - one of the four will thus reach the semifinals at the US Open 2021 or a Grand Slam tournament in general for the first time. The only 18-year-old Alcaraz had won the day session after a sensational performance against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Here is the men's single tableau
nycmap