Tiafoe on Roger Federer, Kevin Hart & US Open title belief

Frances Tiafoe’s belief has grown at this year’s US Open with every victory. The American moved past Grigor Dimitrov on Tuesday night to reach the semi-finals in New York for the second time.

With his latest triumph, Tiafoe has put himself firmly in contention of becoming the first American man to win a major singles title since Andy Roddick lifted the US Open in 2003. The 26-year-old revealed that only now has he allowed himself to dream of what could lie ahead in the next five days.

“I just came from the final in Cincinnati. I'm coming here feeling pretty good. It always helps going to a place where you've had great success. But to be honest with you, I wasn't really thinking to make a semi or win the event,” Tiafoe said in his post-match press conference on Tuesday. “I just saw the draw and I was, like, man, I have got to play Ben [Shelton].

"I'm not as highly seeded like I was before, so I don't know where I'm going to sit at. Playing Ben, that's not something you're going to look past, are you? Once I kind of got through that, the draw shakes up, and then you're kind of, like, why not? Just day by day. Now my feet are in the semis.”

Tiafoe won a five-set thriller against Shelton in the third round before he eliminated Novak Djokovic's conqueror Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round. The 26-year-old then produced a consistent display to overcome Dimitrov, who was forced to retire in the fourth set when Tiafoe was leading 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1.

Watching on in Arthur Ashe Stadium was Roger Federer. However, the 20-time major champion was not the only person that caught Tiafoe’s attention.

“That was pretty sick,” Tiafoe said when asked about Federer. “Obviously, I wasn't thinking about it that much. [I was] more pumped about [actor] Kevin Hart instead of Roger, honestly! The past couple of years at Laver Cup you kind of get used to that, seeing him in the stands.

"But this dude was different. winning five years in a row. The way he looked in the suit is the same way he looked when he was playing. No sweat. You know, tees ironed perfect. What's up with this dude, man? Hair perfect. It was just funny, man…What a guy. What a legend. So nice he's enjoying his life. Doing his thing, just popping in wherever he kind of wants to and everyone embraces him. Unbelievable, wherever he goes. I mean, he's such an icon. Ultimately it was pretty dope. But seeing Kevin Hart was sick.”

Tiafoe put on a show for Federer, actor Hart and the 23,000 fans inside Arthur Ashe and will hope to do the same on Friday when he faces countryman Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals.

The American, who is No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, revealed it has been a dream since they were teenagers for himself, Fritz and World No. 14 Tommy Paul to go deep at majors and compete for the biggest titles in the sport.

“I think we all been knocking on the door. Taylor's been in and out of Top 10. Myself, I was Top 10 this time last year. Tommy is knocking on the door of quarters, playing great. Ben too. It's only a matter of time,” Tiafoe said. “You put yourself in positions, it's only a matter of matter of time and the game is open. It's not like it once was where you make quarter-finals, you play Rafa, and you're looking at flights.

“I mean, that's just the reality. Now it's just totally different and no one's unbeatable. Especially later in the season when guys are maybe a little bit cooked. Maybe just not as fresh and they're vulnerable. It's pretty exciting. First time since '09 [for an American Slam finalist]. Hopefully it's me.”

Fritz & Tiafoe make American history at US Open

Fritz takes a 6-1 Lexus ATP Head2Head series lead into the clash but Tiafoe is not concerned about his record against the 12th seed.

“He's a tough player. He plays great from both sides, has a great serve, he's moving much better now. It's going to be tough,” Tiafoe said when asked about Fritz, who is into his first major semi-final. “It's going to be a big one for both of us, playing for a final. I don't think those matches are anywhere near what this match would be, so it's kind of tough to even go from that.”

Tiafoe, who lost in the semi-finals to Carlos Alcaraz in 2022, will be aiming to reach his first major final on Friday and third of the season.

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