With the 2024 US Open entering its business end, the intensity of the tournament is soaring higher and higher. There are a host of American stars who are still in the fray to win the title at Flushing Meadows. Among them is Frances Tiafoe, who produced a scintillating performance to knock Alexei Popyrin out of the US Open. Subsequently, he made an explosive revelation that further increased the intensity of the tournament.

During the post-match press conference after his fourth-round win, Tiafoe was asked if a long season was an advantage for him coming into the US Open. However, the American star rubbished those talks around the schedule and went on to slam his ATP colleagues for calling out the hectic tennis schedule.

He said, “It’s so easy to say that when things go south oh you know I’m tired I mean everyone’s traveled everyone’s played you know win or lose everyone’s you know done the calendar you know. I don’t think that’s an excuse I just think um if you’re not at your best you’re going to lose.”

Players like Holger Rune and Mackie McDonald have been quite vocal about the criticism against a hectic schedule. While Rune revealed that his knee problem was a result of being compelled to play in many tournaments, McDonald also echoed the same thoughts about the tiring schedule, “The tours are not united enough to collaborate without egos and money getting involved. The players are absolutely getting crushed in so many ways — physically, mentally, financially.” 

Nonetheless, the hectic schedule hasn’t affected Tiafoe as he showed glimpses of his best form at the ongoing US Open. Ahead of his quarterfinal encounter, the 26-year-old is confident about digging even deeper into the tournament.

Frances Tiafoe on playing at Arthur Ashe Stadium: ‘It brings out the best in me’

The American star grew up watching his idols thrive at the Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open. As he stepped on the court during his round of 16 match against Popyrin, memories of those days flashed in the mind of Tiafoe, as he gave his best to win that contest. Later, he revealed why he enjoyed playing on this court.

Tiafoe mentioned, “I always dreamt about playing on this court from a kid I used to hit against a wall and want to compete on this court. It brings out the best in me. Everything is happening when it’s meant to happen. I’m glad it’s happening now because this is the most important time for me.”

Tiafoe was ably supported by Serena Williams, who was present during his match to cheer on the American sensation. However, it will be interesting to see who Serena supports, when Tiafoe takes on Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the semifinals of the US Open. Remember, Dimitrov is one of Serena’s oldest and closest friends and she has often been seen cheering on the Bulgarian. Tiafoe will expect the American legend to switch sides this time, but will that happen? Who do you think Serena will support during the match between Tiafoe and Dimitrov?