Sensational stats with Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz set for 'hell of a day' at US Open as American tennis dream is alive
09/04/2024 12:41 AM
“Friday is going to be one hell of a day” for American tennis after Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz ended the United States’ wait for another all-American semi-final at the US Open.
Hours after Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, Tiafoe booked his place in the semi-final when Grigor Dimitrov retired with the American leading 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 4-1.
It was a sad end for Dimitrov as he started struggling with a leg injury at the end of the third set and never fully recovered.
“Obviously, it's not the way I want to get through. But obviously happy to get through,” Tiafoe said. “Another semi-final here. Incredible.”
But for Tiafoe it is the second time that he has reached the last four at Flushing Meadows and afterwards, he told spectators at Arthur Ashe Stadium: “Ultimately, you guys get to see me again, against another American, so Friday is going to be one hell of a day.”
Incredible Stats
Americans have every reason to be excited as it is the first all-American men's semi-final at the US Open since 2005 when Andre Agassi and Robbie Ginepri squared off. Agassi won that match, but lost the final to Roger Federer.
Agassi, though, is not the last American man to reach a US Open final as that honour goes to Andy Roddick as he also finished runner-up to Federer in 2006 at Flushing Meadows.
And Roddick is also the last American to appear in a Grand Slam final as he was again on the losing end to Federer in the 2009 Wimbledon final.
To be exact, 5,544 days have passed since Roddick’s last appearance in a major final.
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The United States dominated men’s tennis in the 80s and 90s as from 1980 to 1989 there were 23 all-American semi-finals with the likes of John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors leading the way.
In the 90s it was Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Jim Courier carrying the flag with 14 semi-finals between Americans while from 2000 to 2009 there were only two all-American matches in the last four at Grand Slams.
But those statistics will be reset after Friday’s semi-final as either the 12th-seeded Fritz or the 20th-seeded Tiafoe will play in the 2024 US Open final against one of Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper.
Tiafoe added: “It’s the biggest match of mine and Taylor’s life. It will be so special. We know and play each other since we were 14 years old. I know we are two Americans but I hope you guys support me.”
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