Tiafoe advances to all-American SF vs. Fritz after Dimitrov retires

Frances Tiafoe advanced to his second major semi-final Tuesday at the US Open, where Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire with the American leading 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1.

During the latter stages of the eighth game in the third set, Dimitrov’s movement and baseline firepower quickly dropped off, seemingly due to a leg issue. The Bulgarian called the physio at the end of the third set and went off court to receive treatment.

Dimitrov tried his best to continue on, but was clearly hindered. He retired three hours and four minutes into what was a thrilling quarter-final battle prior to the ninth seed’s injury.

“Obviously, it’s not the way I want to get through. But obviously happy to get through,” said Tiafoe, who shared a warm embrace with Dimitrov following the match. “Another semi-final here. Incredible.”

Tiafoe produced an inspired performance filled with electric shotmaking that brought alive the home crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 26-year-old’s all-court game was largely unpredictable throughout the contest, during which Tiafoe often took an aggressive return position and looked for early opportunities to move forward, converting 17 of his 31 net points.

“It was a really, really high-level match. I liked where I was at in the third regardless. But obviously, I didn't want it to end like that," said Tiafoe.

The three-time tour-level tiltist was two points from a two-sets-to-love lead at 6-5 in the second set, but Dimitrov’s free swinging forced a tie-break, which then ended in anticlimactic fashion. The Bulgarian led 6/3 before double faulting on back-to-back points. Tiafoe returned the favour with a double fault of his own, levelling the match at one-set all.

Tiafoe maintained his aggression, finishing the night with 14 break chances, converting six. Tiafoe and Dimitrov both struck the ball with conviction and rarely wavered from a high level. Dimitrov delivered stunning one-hand backhand flicks and passing shots while Tiafoe displayed deft touch and quick reactions at net.

Tiafoe will next face countryman Taylor Fritz in the first all-American men’s major semi-final since the 2005 US Open (Andre Agassi d. Robby Ginepri). The 20th seed will look to end his six-match skid against Fritz, who leads 6-1 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Tiafoe won their first meeting at Indian Wells in 2016.

"Ultimately, you guys get to see me again, against another American, so Friday is going to be one hell of a day," Tiafoe said when addressing the crowd.

Up to No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Tiafoe can surpass Fritz for American No. 1 honours should he win his first major title.

Dimitrov, 33, retired at Wimbledon due to a groin injury during a fourth-round clash against Daniil Medvedev. The nine-time tour-level titlist slipped just five games into that match and retired shortly after. He leaves New York with a 37-14 season record.

Did You Know? The winner between Tiafoe and Fritz will become the first American man to make a Slam singles final since 2009 Wimbledon (Andy Roddick, l. to Federer).

Get well soon, @GrigorDimitrov 🙏@FTiafoe is SF bound after Dimitrov is forced to retire due to injury at 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 4-1.@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/p6Wy2xgbxD