Frances Tiafoe’s US Open run has reached new heights! The American player will soon lock horns with his compatriot, Taylor Fritz, in the semifinals. Besides the joy, an additional layer of excitement left the former World No. 10 awestruck in the quarterfinal match against Dimitrov! In 2006, Andy Roddick, the last American man to reach the US Open final, fell short against Roger Federer in that round. Fast forward to 2024, and the same man comes to watch the American player, Tiafoe, reach new heights in the US Open! Pretty surreal, isn’t it? For Tiafoe, it was a dream come true, and he shared his experience about this “unbelievable” moment!

During a press conference after his latest victory in New York, Frances Tiafoe could not help but shower praise on Federer, who made a surprise visit to the match! Admiring his suit, ironed tees, and flawless hair, he said, “It’s just like what’s up with this dude, man?…So it was just funny man. I give crap about that all time. But what a guy, what a legend. So nice, he’s just enjoying his life, his things. Like just popping in wherever he kind of wants to and everyone embraces him. Unbelievable, wherever he goes. I mean, such an icon.” 

Unlike Tiafoe, who reached the semifinals for the first time in his career, Federer’s impressive 89-14 record at the season’s final major, coupled with his five consecutive title victories here, is remarkable. However, as Federer, who last competed in the match five years ago and was spotted at Wimbledon this year, earlier said in an interview, “So I haven’t been back at the Open since I retired. So it’s going to be also, I’m sure nice to be in Ashe, you know, watching tennis from the sidelines this time.”

And now that he is here, Tiafoe, who is a big fan of Federer and even called him the “Michael Jordan of Tennis,” was over the moon to see him in the stands. Coming to back Frances Tiafoe, who called his QF match to be a “really, really high level,” clash and is going to face Fritz,(1-6 h2h) in the next match.

Tiafoe is now “excited” to soar through new heights and break the record of Roddick, who was the last ATP player to win the title in 2003. And Federer’s presence will surely make it more exciting for Tiafoe, who played against the former World No. 1 three times in 2017, including one in the US Open. Although Big Foe couldn’t beat Federer, the memory of playing against him still makes him bewildered!

Frances Tiafoe’s “nervous” encounter with Federer at the 2017 US Open

When the then 19-year-old player faced Federer, who was chasing his 20th grand slam in the US Open, Frances Tiafoe made up his mind to win against him and reigned over the first set (6-4). However, as Federer hurled back in the second and third sets (6-2, 6-1), Tiafoe ended up dominating the fourth set. But ultimately it was Federer who emerged victorious after the fifth set, marking an end to more than a two hour long battle on-court.

Recalling his experience, Tiafoe said in an interview, “I remember I was so amped but so nervous. I’m like, ‘Dude, I’m playing Roger.’ He’s going to be wearing the all-black Nike fit.” Furthermore, Tiafoe, who addressed the moment as “unreal,” added, “And then when we went five (sets), I was just like, ‘Yo, am I about to really beat this dude? This is crazy.’…I like to be in these moments. I’m comfortable there.”

Federer’s ability to command attention and admiration on and off the court has inspired Tiafoe for a long time. And his recent encounter with Federer was a reminder of the former world no. 1’s enduring impact on the tennis world and his status as a global superstar!