NEW YORK – Two days ago Frances Tiafoe was headed to a 50-50 third-round match against Ben Shelton, knowing that even if he won, he would likely be a massive underdog in his next assignment. Defending champion Novak Djokovic is lurking.
On Sunday night, Tiafoe threw a forehand on the sideline to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open, an open draw in front of him and 24,000 people around him under the lights.
From underdog to one of the last men standing, in barely more than 48 hours.
In another electrifying night on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Tiafoe defeated Djokovic’s conqueror, Alexei Popyrin, 6-4, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-3, in just over three hours. He faces Grigor Dimitrov in the last eight, with the wind at his back and faith running through him.
Read more about Tiafoe’s win here.
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Frances Tiafoe returns to US Open quarterfinals by beating Alexei Popyrin
