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Francis Tiafoe news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Francis Tiafoe beat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 in the US Open quarterfinals. It's his third US Open semifinal, keeping American men's Grand Slam hopes alive.
Background
Tiafoe, a Maryland native and No. 11 seed, staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen in a five-set thriller at the US Open quarterfinals. The win puts him in the semifinals for the third time (2022, 2024, 2026), as American men aim to end a Grand Slam drought. His next opponent will be either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or Ben Shelton.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Tiafoe dominated Valentin Vacherot in the third round, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.
- Sep 7, 2026Tiafoe and Michelsen both won their matches, advancing to the quarterfinals as American men made a strong run.
- Sep 8, 2026In the quarterfinals, Tiafoe came back from two sets down to defeat Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6.
- Sep 9, 2026Tiafoe reacted to a viral video of him consoling an emotional Michelsen after the match, praising Michelsen's words of encouragement.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Tiafoe's comeback win was reported as the biggest Grand Slam comeback of his career.
- Public
- Tiafoe said Michelsen told him, 'You'll be there. When I'm older, you're going to be here, and we're going to play it again in this type of circumstance,' calling him a great guy for consoling him.