Frances Tiafoe Ensures an American semi-finalist at the US Open
US Open
September 7, 2026
Frances Tiafoe and his spectacular heroics against Daniil Medvedev have set up a quarter-final clash against his compatriot Alex Michelsen.
And that means the USA is guaranteed representation in the last four of the men’s draw at Flushing Meadows.
And there could be another American contender there, if feisty Ben Shelton pulls off a shock against reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in their much-anticipated quarter-final tomorrow.
It’s the same story in the women’s singles, where Emma Navarro showed superb consistency to overcome Ukrainian rival Anna Kalinskaya for the first time.
All she had to do in the second set of her 6-4, 6-2 win was stay solid and watch Kalinskaya crumble into double faults and unforced errors.
That surprising victory means she faces American superstar Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals. And at least one home-grown star must therefore make it to the semis.
But don’t forget that Coco Gauff has a chance to make the quarters later today when she plays young Iva Jovic in the round of sixteen. Once more, an American must progress.
Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and Coco Gauff are looking likely to light up Wimbledon 2027 with their sparkling tennis next year.
Tiafoe’s last-gasp duel at the net with Medvedev produced one of the points of the 2026 US Open. Volleys and half volleys fizzed at close range until Frances prevailed.
The crowd went crazy and Tiafoe was moments from scoring a rare win over the flamboyant Russian. These occasions at Flushing Meadows are special.
The home hero has been to the semi-final twice before. He should beat Michelsen to earn another opportunity later this week.
For now, he is just delighted to have got past Medvedev and played the important moments best in a thrilling 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) victory.
Big Foe said: ‘What a match! Daniil has been so good and he has beaten me so many times. This is the first time I have beaten him in a regular match, so I’m super pumped up about it.’
Michelsen will be no soft touch in the next round. He is only the fourth American this century to reach the quarters in New York before hitting 23 years old. And he hasn’t dropped a set.
No wonder Tiafoe was a little cagey about explaining his own sizzling form. He said: ‘I don’t want to put any secrets out. I’m coming forward and having fun.’
Frances Tiafoe and his increasingly adventurous tennis are perfect for Wimbledon 2027 – and could see him go much deeper than his previous fourth-round best.
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