Tiafoe, Fritz, and Navarro Energize US Open with All-American Semi-Final Matchups
The US Open is set for a thrilling conclusion as Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz secure all-American semi-final matchups, while Emma Navarro makes a landmark entry into the women’s final four, boosting hopes for a historic homegrown title sweep.
On Tuesday, the quarter-finals showcased dramatic victories and pivotal moments. Tiafoe advanced to the semi-finals after ninth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire due to injury. The match, which saw Tiafoe leading 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 4-1 when Dimitrov withdrew, marked Tiafoe’s second consecutive appearance in a US Open semi-final.
“It’s not the way I wanted to win, even if I’m happy to get through,” Tiafoe remarked, reflecting on Dimitrov’s injury. He is set to face Fritz, who reached his first Grand Slam semi-final by overcoming fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev in a gripping encounter. Fritz triumphed 7-6 (7/2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), showcasing his resilience and precision with 12 aces and 45 winners.
For the first time since 2006, the US is guaranteed a men’s finalist, with the last American man to win a Grand Slam being Andy Roddick at the 2003 US Open. “It’s cool I’m in the semis,” Fritz said. “But I very much have the mindset of the job’s not done.”
In the women’s draw, Emma Navarro made a stunning breakthrough by reaching her first Grand Slam semi-final. The 20-year-old showcased remarkable tenacity by coming back from a 5-1 deficit in the second set to defeat Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5. Navarro, who had lost in the first round in her previous US Open appearances, will now face world number two Aryna Sabalenka, who dispatched Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-2.
Sabalenka, the runner-up to Coco Gauff last year, is competing in her fourth consecutive US Open semi-final and her ninth Grand Slam semi-final overall. Her dominant performance against Zheng, who was hindered by fatigue after a record late finish in her previous match, underscores Sabalenka’s continued strength in the tournament.
As the tournament heads into its final stages, the anticipation is building for the all-American men’s semi-final and Navarro’s clash with Sabalenka. With Tiafoe and Fritz battling it out for a spot in the final, and Navarro aiming to complete an impressive run, the US Open promises to deliver more excitement and drama as it nears its climax.