Frances Tiafoe’s electrifying performance at Arthur Ashe Stadium left the crowd on the edge of their seats as he staged a remarkable comeback against Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round of the US Open.
Tiafoe, the American crowd favorite, had the first set in hand but faced an uphill battle when Popyrin surged ahead 5-2, 40-0 in the second. However, Tiafoe’s resilience shone through as he clawed back five consecutive points, including a crucial double fault from Popyrin.
The momentum shifted dramatically in Tiafoe’s favor, and he seized control of the tiebreaker with a blistering crosscourt forehand pass. Tiafoe’s relentless aggression and Popyrin’s uncharacteristic errors gave the American a 3-0 lead. Tiafoe’s confidence soared, and he unleashed a barrage of powerful forehands, forcing Popyrin to retreat.
Despite Popyrin’s double fault handing Tiafoe three set points, the Aussie remained unfazed and took the third set with ease. Tiafoe’s energy waned, but he reignited the crowd’s enthusiasm with a 3-2 lead in the fourth set. Another Popyrin double fault proved costly, and Tiafoe’s inspired play earned him a 5-2 advantage.
Tiafoe faced a tense service game to close out the match. After a stunning half-volley winner gave him two match points, he squandered the first with a missed volley and the second with a net error. Popyrin had a glimmer of hope with a break point, but his forehand pass sailed into the net.
Tiafoe sealed the victory two points later with a forehand winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “I always dreamt about playing on this court,” said Tiafoe. “It brings out the best in me.”
Tiafoe’s triumph marked a significant moment in his career, as he joined compatriot Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals. His resilience, determination, and crowd support proved to be an unstoppable force against a formidable opponent.
