Frances Tiafoe has reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, positioning himself as a formidable contender in the tournament. As anticipation builds for him to make a swift ascent to the summit and clinch his first Grand Slam title, the pressure has also intensified with Ben Stiller’s latest revelation adding an extra layer of scrutiny.

Tiafoe, who made a memorable run to the US Open semifinals two years ago, has once again managed to go deep into the tournament. Following a thrilling match, where he defeated No. 28, Alexei Popyrin of Australia, in just over three hours, Tiafoe has now advanced to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, continuing his impressive streak at Flushing Meadows.

However, recently, his name was brought up by the American actor Ben Stiller, who, in an interview, revealed that Tiafoe is one of those players he really enjoys watching. “I think there are a bunch that are really exciting to watch. I think Tiafoe is amazing at what he’s doing. It’s exciting,” Stiller stated.

Stiller also picked Aryna Sabalenka from WTA as another tennis player who he enjoys watching. “I like Sabalenka; I think she’s incredible, her energy and her focus, and she’s very exciting to watch too,” the 58-year-old added.

It’s nothing new for Hollywood actors to take a keen interest in the US Open. Even Tony Goldwyn was spotted in the crowd this year and Frances Tiafoe was ecstatic to see him in the stands, as he expressed his admiration for Goldwyn in a post match segment.

Chris Eubanks, an American tennis player who is now working as a commentator, was talking to Tiafoe and when he was about to conclude the segment, Tiafoe grabbed the microphone and said, “Hold on. Tony Goldwyn was in the crowd. Yo, I’m a huge fan of you, bro. Me and my girl used to watch ‘Scandal’ all the time. I’m a huge fan, brother, I’m a huge fan, bro. I’ve got to say that.”

With superstar actors so invested in the US Open and Stiller even mentioning Tiafoe’s name, the 26-year-old would feel the pressure of expectations and it’s never easy to handle pressure at the highest level of professional sport. Even beating Alexei Popyrin was not easy for Tiafoe, as he admitted he had to put in a great performance to get past the Aussie.

Frances Tiafoe opens up about facing Alexei Popyrin 

It was the first time Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin faced each other and Tiafoe managed to overcome Popyrin, who had made a big name for himself after upsetting Novak Djokovic in the third round. Respect was shown by Popyrin at the end of the match, as he hugged Tiafoe at the net and applauded his forehand winner on match point. Reflecting on the match later, Tiafoe acknowledged Popyrin’s impressive level of play.

He stated, “Beating Novak is a huge win at any point, any time, no matter where, when. Alexei had the level tonight, and I had to come up with great stuff to secure the win.”

In the following round, Tiafoe will take on Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, ranked ninth. Dimitrov, the oldest player remaining in the draw at 33, earned his place in the quarterfinals by defeating No. 6 Andrey Rublev in a grueling five-set battle. Do you think Tiafoe can beat Dimitrov and go all the way to win the US Open?