New York, Sept 3: 
Frances Tiafoe, representing the United States, secured his place in the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open for the third consecutive year on Sunday, overcoming Alexei Popyrin with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 victory.Popyrin, who was coming off a career-defining win over Djokovic, displayed a powerful game, registering 24 aces. However, his performance was marred by nine double faults and several costly unforced errors. Despite his commanding serve, Popyrin’s inconsistency was exploited by Tiafoe, who maintained his composure under pressure.
In the opening set, Tiafoe showcased his defensive prowess by saving two break points in the fourth game and seizing a break in the ninth. The first set was a testament to Tiafoe’s strategic play and resilience.
The second set saw Popyrin gain momentum, holding serve through a grueling five-deuce third game and capitalizing on a break point with a deft drop shot. However, Tiafoe capitalized on a crucial double fault from Popyrin, powering through the subsequent tiebreak with an aggressive forehand.
Popyrin responded in the third set with renewed vigor, breaking Tiafoe to love in the third game and establishing a commanding two-break lead. He managed to close out the set, but the Australian’s earlier exertions took a toll on his stamina.
The final set saw Popyrin’s energy wane. A crucial double fault gifted Tiafoe a break in the sixth game. Tiafoe, seizing the opportunity, clinched victory on his third match point with a precise forehand winner that grazed the line. In an emphatic display, he celebrated with the cheering crowd, flexing his muscles in triumph.
Looking ahead, Tiafoe is set to face ninth-seed Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals. The match promises to be another test of Tiafoe’s mettle as he continues his pursuit of ending the long-standing American title drought at the U.S. Open.
