Topline

U.S. tennis star Frances Tiafoe beat Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-final of the U.S. Open Tuesday night, advancing to a semi-final clash against Taylor Fritz and ensuring an American presence at a men’s Grand Slam final for the first time since 2009.

Key Facts

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Crucial Quote

In his post-game interview, Tiafoe described the semi-final as the “biggest match of me and Taylor’s life. We’ve known each other for so long. I’ve been playing against him since the 14s…to be able to play him here…in one of the biggest matches in the world is going to be awesome. I can’t be more excited.”

Key Background

Friday’s contest will be the first all-American men’s semi-final at a Grand Slam event since the 2005 U.S. Open, where former World No. 1 Andre Agassi beat Robby Ginepri. The all-American clash also guarantees that an American will compete in the U.S. Open’s men’s final for the first time since 2006. The winner of the Tiafoe-Fritz clash will also be the first American male tennis player to appear in a Grand Slam final since Wimbledon 2009. Both the 2006 U.S. Open final and 2009 Wimbledon final featured Andy Roddick and Roger Federer, with the Swiss tennis legend coming out on top in both instances. Roddick’s 2003 U.S. Open title is also the last grand slam won by an American male tennis player.

What To Watch For

The line-up for the second men’s semi-final is yet to be determined. The U.K.’s Jack Draper will take on Australian Alex de Minaur in the third quarter-final game on Wednesday. Tournament top seed Jannik Sinner of Italy will face fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in the fourth quarter-final.

Further Reading

20 years of Grand Slam drought: Which American man has come closest to winning a title since 2003? (The Athletic)