US Open: Francis Tiafoe beat Andrey Rublev to reach the semi-finals

American Frances Tiafoe, ranked 26th in the world, and top scorer Rafael Nadal qualified for the US Open on Wednesday for his first semi-final in a Grand Slam by defeating Russian Andrei Rublev (11) 7-6 (7/3) . ), 7-6 (7/0), 6-4.

“It’s crazy to get another big win (after Nadal) against such a tough player,” Tiafoe commented before leaving Arthur-Ashe Stadium.

At 24, his best tournament result was the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2019. He will try to reach the final at Flushing Meadows on Friday by facing off Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat Yannick Sener in a historic match lasting five hours and 15 minutes.

“I feel at home, this court is incredible, everyone is pushing me, I have to do my best. I take advantage of these moments, but there are two games left. It will be difficult, let Alcaraz and Sener fight, but I am ready, against anyone.”

Against Rublev, who was playing his sixth game in the Major’s quarter-final (third in New York), neither player gave up until 3-3 in the third set when Tiafoe managed to break his opponent and then saved two break-break points 5-3.

The American served up the match with a 5-4 score and concluded with a header.

Andy Roddick, 16 years ago, was the last American to go this far in the men’s singles draw at Flushing Meadows. He then lost in the Grand Final against Roger Federer.

Roddick is also the last American to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, a feat he achieved in 2003 at the US Open.