Frances Tiafoe expresses his love for ‘iconic’ Arthur Ashe Stadium after earning third straight quarterfinal berth at US Open

Frances Tiafoe explains why the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium brings the best out of him after making the quarterfinals at the 2024 US Open.

Frances Tiafoe expresses his love for ‘iconic’ Arthur Ashe Stadium after earning third straight quarterfinal berth at US Open

Frances Tiafoe (Image via New York Times)

American ATP star Frances Tiafoe made it into the US Open quarterfinals for a third consecutive year after beating Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round at the 2024 US Open. Playing at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, Tiafoe brought out the best in him, playing a tough four-setter to send the Australian home with a 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 win.

In the third round, Tiafoe defeated his friend Ben Shelton and avenged his 2023 US Open quarterfinal defeat. With two important wins at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Cincinnati Open runner-up attributed his performances to the importance of the venue.

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Tiafoe said that he had been wanting to play at the venue since watching the Williams sisters win titles and Roger Federer rack up victories aplenty there.

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I always dreamt about playing on this court. As a kid I used to hit against the wall and wanted to compete on this court. Seeing the Williams sisters win titles here. Seeing Roger win here a million times. I was like ‘I just want to go out on this court’. It’s so iconic. It’s named after Arthur Ashe. I wanted to be a part of that. It brings out the best in me.
Frances Tiafoe said during his on-court interview

Tiafoe has become the first American man to reach three consecutive US Open quarterfinals since Andy Roddick (2006, 2007, and 2008). Additionally, he is only the fourth American to play in three or more quarterfinals at the US Open since 2000.

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Frances Tiafoe gives a shoutout to American actor Tony Goldwyn

Among the many celebrities present in the stands to witness Frances Tiafoe”s win over Alexei Popyrin, was American actor Tony Goldwyn. In his on-court interview, Tiafoe made special mention of the California native and stated that he was a big fan of Goldwyn’s work.

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Frances Tiafoe, Tony Goldwyn (Images via US Open X)
Hold on. Sorry, sorry. Tony Goldwyn was in the crowd tonight. I’m a huge fan of you bro. Me and my girl used to watch Scandal all the time. I’m a huge fan bro.
Frances Tiafoe said

Coming to the match, Tiafoe played to his strengths against Alexei Popyrin. After clinching the first set 6-4, the American was on the verge of losing the second set as the Australian raced to a 5-2 lead. However, he fought back and forced a tiebreaker, which he eventually won.

Although Tiafoe conceded the third set, he stormed back to win the fourth and seal the victory in three hours and two minutes. He next faces ninth seed Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the semifinals.

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