For the third year, Frances Tiafoe will return to the US Open quarterfinals.
The 26-year-old defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3 on Sunday night to advance.
With this victory, Tiafoe becomes the first American to reach three consecutive US Open quarterfinals since Andy Roddick did it from 2006 to 2008.
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Frances Tiafoe reacts after a fourth-set win against Alexei Popyrin on day seven of the 2024 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
Tiafoe lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals in 2022 and lost to fellow American Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals last year.
However, Tiafoe avenged his loss to Shelton by defeating him at this year's tournament in a thrilling five-set match.
The turning point in Tiafoe's victory on Sunday came during the second set.
“I think the second set was a massive win for me,” Tiafoe said. “You know, 5-3, 40-0, him serving, how well he serves, that was really, really important. To break there and then win that set was huge.”
Tiafoe came back from 5-3 down to make it 5-5 and sent the set to a tiebreak, which he eventually won.
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Alexei Popyrin of Australia serves to Frances Tiafoe of the United States during the fourth round of the US Open tennis tournament on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in New York City. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Popyrin, Australia's 28th seed, was disappointed with how he played in the second set.
“It was definitely a missed opportunity,” Popyrin said. “I've been saying all week that I think against these top players you have to take your chances when you get them. Obviously, 5-3, 40-Love serving, that's a big hurdle for me.”
The Australian had just pulled off a huge upset on Friday against defending champion Novak Djokovic and, for the first time in his career, reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam.
Popyrin fought back and won the third set convincingly, but Tiafoe never wavered and secured victory in the fourth set.
With his victory, Tiafoe joined Taylor Fritz as another American to reach the quarterfinals.
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Frances Tiafoe in action during his match against Alexei Popyrin on day seven of the 2024 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
“Everything is happening when it needs to happen,” Tiafoe said. “I'm glad it's happening now because this is the most important moment for me.”
If fellow American Tommy Paul defeats top-ranked Jannik Sinner on Monday, it would give the United States three men in the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the second straight year.
Tiafoe will face No. 9-ranked Grigor Dimitrov on Tuesday for a spot in the semifinals. Tiafoe has a 1-3 career record against Dimitrov.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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