How does a 24 year old journeyman tennis player turn into a star? One way, is to stun the best tennis player on the planet, Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16 at the US Open. Frances Tiafoe did just that! A historic feat in an even more historic moment that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. A 10 to 1 underdog, Tiafoe faced Nadal twice in 2019, only to fall in defeat in both matches. But that was then, and this is now! Frances Tiafoe is on a roll with the competition bracing for the unexpected.
If Tiafoe week couldn’t get better, he just beat the Russian phenom Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals in route to a Slam semifinals match-up. Not since Andy Roddick in 2003, has an American made it to the semifinals Grand Slam singles championship at the US Open. That’s a streak of 74 consecutive majors without a single victory.
Tiafoe’s follow-up Wednesday can only be described as legendary. The all-in aggressive play from Tiafoe was apparent with 18 aces in route to a complete 3-set domination of the strong Russian. The match was never in doubt, as Tiafoe only faced a break of serve in the third set in which he went ahead 4-3, never looking back. Tiafoe was in total control of the match with serves registering a blistering 130 mph and backhands.
Tiafoe next match up will be his first career Slam semifinal Friday against the No.3 ranked Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, which will take an effort like never before. Tiafoe’s coach and former pro player Wayne Ferreira believes the hard work and practice in the gym will give him a great chance of advancing. The field is wide open with none of the remaining men left in the Open winning a major championship.
Tiafoe only success on tour happened in 2018, winning his first ATP title and his quarterfinals run in the Australian Open in 2019. The son of immigrant parents, Tiafoe is the true meaning of success. Win, loose or draw, Francis Tiafoe life will forever be changed by his achievements in the record books. We wish him luck on his quest~
CONGRATS Young King!!! You earned it! @FTiafoe 🙏🏾✊🏾🤎👑 https://t.co/QQ0Jn7Lotp
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2022
Lamont Renzo Bracy
