Frances Tiafoe produced a remarkable comeback at Flushing Meadows, rallying from two sets and a break down to defeat compatriot Alex Michelsen and book his place in the US Open semi-finals. The 28-year-old 11th seed completed the grueling five-set victory with a scoreline of 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), lasting a total of four hours and 38 minutes.
Michelsen, ranked world number 46, entered the quarter-final in imperious form, having not dropped a set prior to facing Tiafoe. The unseeded American controlled the early stages, firing 15 winners in the first set compared to Tiafoe’s four, and taking the decisive break at 6-5. He continued to dominate, using his backhand to great effect to take the second set and establish an early lead in the third.
The turning point arrived when Michelsen was serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set. Nerves appeared to set in as he committed two double faults, allowing Tiafoe to break back and level the match. Riding this momentum, Tiafoe claimed the opening three games of the fourth set and held firm to force a deciding fifth set.
In the final set, momentum swung violently between the two Americans. Tiafoe, energized by the roaring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, ultimately prevailed in a tense 10-point tie-break to seal his fourth five-set win at a major in 2026.
Reflecting on the marathon encounter, Tiafoe admitted the early stages were difficult. “In the end I slowly started to get my rhythm. Snuck out that third set and got better and better,” he said. He also praised his opponent, adding, “He’s a hell of a player and he easily could have won today. Shout out to Alex Michelsen. Everyone was asleep in the first couple of hours, I was too. As it went along the energy was incredible… You guys are rooting for me and I appreciate that.”
For Michelsen, the defeat was heartbreaking. Making his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final appearance, the 22-year-old was reduced to tears following the final point. The two friends shared an embrace at the net, with Tiafoe offering consolation to the devastated runner-up.
Tiafoe advances to the last four for the third time in five years at the US Open. He now awaits the winner of the match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and fellow American eighth seed Ben Shelton. Having fallen to Alcaraz in the 2022 final and to Taylor Fritz in 2024, Tiafoe is now one win away from reaching the final at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
The crowd energy in Arthur Ashe must have been electric. Shout out to both Americans for a classic match.
Can anyone actually stop Alcaraz now? Tiafoe looks beatable after that marathon, but we’ll see.
How harsh is it for Michelsen to lose in tears after playing so well? That double fault at 5-4 changed everything.
I literally fell asleep during the first two sets. Glad I woke up for the comeback!
Four hours and thirty-eight minutes?! That is an absolute war. Tiafoe’s mental toughness is unreal.