Story perspectives

Tiafoe rallies from two sets down to reach semis

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Frances Tiafoe rallied from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
The match lasted 4 hours, 38 minutes.
Frances Tiafoe reached his third US Open semifinal, joining Andre Agassi.
Frances Tiafoe will meet the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton in the semifinal.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, the US Open featured a marathon five-set final where Juan Martín del Potro rallied from two sets down to defeat Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2. The match lasted 4 hours 54 minutes, and del Potro’s 21 winners outpaced Federer’s 15, marking the longest final in tournament history and setting a new duration record. Similarly, Frances Tiafoe overturned a two-set deficit against Alex Michelsen, winning 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(10-6) after a 4-hour 38-minute battle and demonstrated extraordinary stamina under New York’s humid July conditions. These comebacks cement the US Open’s reputation, urging the USTA to boost endurance programs for Tiafoe, Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton as he faces Carlos Alcaraz in semifinal.

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Story summary

Frances Tiafoe rallied from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6).
The match lasted 4 hours, 38 minutes.
Frances Tiafoe reached his third US Open semifinal, joining Andre Agassi.
Frances Tiafoe will meet the winner of Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton in the semifinal.

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