Shocking Report: Grigor Dimitrov Announces That…………………….read more.
Frances Tiafoe reached his second Grand Slam semi-final on Tuesday at the US Open after Grigor Dimitrov retired while trailing 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1. Dimitrov’s movement noticeably slowed in the third set, likely due to a leg issue, and he called for the physio after the set, leaving the court for treatment. Despite attempting to continue, Dimitrov was clearly hampered and retired after three hours and four minutes in what had been a competitive match.
“It’s not the way I wanted to advance, but I’m happy to move on,” said Tiafoe, who shared a warm embrace with Dimitrov after the match. “Another semi-final here. Incredible.”
Tiafoe’s performance was marked by dynamic shotmaking that energized the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His unpredictable all-court play and aggressive net approaches were key, winning 17 of 31 net points. He also converted 6 of 14 break opportunities.
“It was a high-level match, and I liked my chances in the third set regardless,” said Tiafoe, though he acknowledged that Dimitrov’s retirement was not the ideal conclusion. Tiafoe narrowly missed taking a two-set lead, as Dimitrov fought back to win a tiebreak in the second set after both players double-faulted at crucial moments.
Tiafoe now faces fellow American Taylor Fritz in the first all-American men’s semi-final at the US Open since 2005. Tiafoe, ranked No. 16, has a chance to overtake Fritz as the top-ranked American if he wins his first major title.
Dimitrov, who also retired from Wimbledon earlier this year due to injury, exits the tournament with a 37-14 season record. The winner of the Tiafoe-Fritz match could become the first American to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Andy Roddick in 2009.
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