Frances Tiafoe stages dramatic comeback to beat Alex Michelsen and reach US Open semis

Frances Tiafoe overturned a two‑set deficit and a break down to defeat 19‑year‑old Alex Michelsen, booking his spot in the US Open semi‑finals, BBC Sport reported. The American rallied in the third set, breaking Michelsen’s serve to level the match before taking the fourth and decisive fifth set with aggressive baseline play.

Michelsen, who had surged ahead early in the tournament, appeared visibly shaken after the turning point. As the final point was played, Tiafoe approached the Danish youngster, offering a handshake and words of encouragement. The gesture was captured on court, highlighting the sportsmanship that often follows high‑stakes Grand Slam encounters.

The match lasted just over three hours, with Tiafoe’s serve percentage improving markedly after the second set. He saved three match points in the fourth set tiebreak, a moment that shifted momentum in his favour. Michelsen, who had never reached a Grand Slam quarter‑final before, fought valiantly but could not recover from the sudden swing in power and consistency displayed by Tiafoe.

The US Open, held annually in Flushing Meadows, is the final Grand Slam of the tennis calendar and frequently produces memorable comebacks. Tiafoe, a former junior world No. 1, had previously reached the quarter‑finals at Wimbledon in 2022 but had not advanced beyond the round of 16 at the US Open. His victory over Michelsen marks his deepest run at the tournament to date, positioning him as a potential challenger for the title.

Looking ahead, Tiafoe will face the winner of the other quarter‑final, a match that could set up a showdown with one of the sport’s top seeds. His ability to recover from a significant deficit may prove crucial as the competition intensifies. The US Open’s later stages often hinge on mental resilience as much as physical skill, and Tiafoe’s performance underscores his growing reputation as a tenacious contender on the world stage.