It’s an all-American affair at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, as Frances Tiafoe takes on first-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Alex Michelsen with a spot in the semis up for grabs.
Alex Michelsen vs. (11) Frances Tiafoe
Alex Michelsen is this year’s Cinderella story at the U.S. Open. He arrived ranked 46th and unseeded. Michelsen had never been past the third round of a major, and he has now won 12 straight sets. Yes, his draw has been favorable — but he ran into the red-hot No. 16 seed Brandon Nakashima and handled him routinely. Michelsen also dispatched Federico Cina, Daniel Merida, and No. 27 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry all with minimum fuss, which makes him just the third unseeded player this century to reach a slam quarterfinal without dropping a set — after Juan Martin Del Potro in 2016 and Etcheverry at Roland Garros in 2023.
The problem for the young American is that Frances Tiafoe is a different tier of problem. The world No. 12 has been a legitimate force since he had surgery to take care of a cyst on his wrist earlier this summer. Upon his (slight) upset of Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16, he now boasts five consecutive wins over top-10 players. Tiafoe beaten Medvedev exactly once in seven previous tries on the main tour prior to Sunday, which should give you an idea of where his form is at present.
Tiafoe leads the head-to-head series 2-0, taking both matches in straight sets. It’s a good matchup for the older American. One thing to watch for is that Tiafoe requested was granted the opportunity to play in Louis Armstrong Stadium for all of his first four matches this fortnight. That ends on Tuesday, as he and Michelsen are scheduled for the second day-session match Ashe.
Regardless of the venue, I think Tiafoe makes it through comfortably.
Cheryl pick: Tiafoe in 4
Ricky pick: Tiafoe in 4
WWW?
Love Tiafoe – love the recent success he’s had – love the momentum. Everything tells me it’s Tiafoe’s match to win… so why do I still have Francis-PTSD for all the times watching him completely unravel in his biggest moments?
Hope I’m wrong… Michelsen in 5.
Tiafoe certainly the favorite but Michelsen in 4… Remember they are playing in Ashe this time not Armstrong.
Honestly Tiafoe will probably win but I said Michelsen would reach the semis after he beat Nakashima and I need to stay true to my word.
Your hunch already went a long way though!
I thought Fils would beat Tsitsipas in straight sets and go far. Maybe next year.
i do NOT have Tiafoe PTSD (see above)….he’s more focused and fit than ever before….in 3!
Thank you so much once again for your valuable input, Scoot.
BBQ Chicken Alert 3-0 sweep
Big Foe steps up. Michelsen in 5 now.
5STB