Tiafoe Beats Michelsen in Five Sets to Reach US Open Semis

American tennis player Frances Tiafoe came back from two sets down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen in the quarter-finals of the US Open on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory moves the 11th seed into his third semi-final at Flushing Meadows in five years after a match that lasted four hours and 38 minutes.

Tiafoe triumphed 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) against his 22-year-old unseeded opponent. He will now face eighth seed Ben Shelton, who defeated defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Michelsen Takes Early Control

Entering the match without dropping a set in the tournament, world number 46 Michelsen controlled the early stages of the contest. He produced 15 winners to Tiafoe’s four in the opening set, earning a break at 6-5 to secure the lead.

Michelsen continued his strong play in the second set, using his backhand effectively on key points. After taking a two-set lead, he broke Tiafoe early in the third set and later served for the match at 5-4. However, consecutive double faults by Michelsen allowed Tiafoe to break back, claim the third set 7-5, and begin his turnaround.

Tiafoe Rallies to Complete Comeback

Tiafoe won the first three games of the fourth set to force a deciding set. In a final set featuring multiple service breaks, Tiafoe prevailed in the 10-point tie-break to secure the win.

After the match ended, the two players embraced at the net, with Michelsen visibly emotional. Speaking about his opponent, Tiafoe said, “He’s a hell of a player and he easily could have won today.” Michelsen reflected on the defeat, stating, “I’ve got a lot of time to grow physically and mentally.”

Coaching and Physical Changes

Tiafoe’s performance follows adjustments made after a third-round exit to Jan-Lennard Struff at the previous year’s tournament, which prompted changes to his coaching team and fitness regimen. Former Grand Slam doubles champion Ryan Harrison noted that Tiafoe improved his physical conditioning following past questions about his fitness levels.

Addressing his recent trajectory, Tiafoe credited a consistent daily routine for his form, contrasting his current preparation with his previous semi-final appearances at the tournament. Tiafoe lost in the semi-finals to Alcaraz in 2022 and to Taylor Fritz in 2024.

Background

The US Open is the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the season, held annually in Flushing Meadows, New York. Frances Tiafoe reached the semi-finals of the event in 2022 and 2024, falling to Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz respectively. Alex Michelsen was competing in his first Grand Slam quarter-final.