Frances Tiafoe doesn’t want to be denied this year at the US Open. Looking to proclaim himself as the American excellence and rid the nation of the Grand Slam drought, ‘Big Foe’ is incorporating tunnel vision. As he squares off against Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinal at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, September 4, a cracking encounter is on the cards.

Frances Tiafoe vs Grigor Dimitrov: Preview

Tiafoe will enter the last eight on the back of a thunderous victory over Alexei Popyrin, the Novak Djokovic slayer. After bagging the first two sets, the American star faced major resistance from the Aussie, who bounced back by winning the third set. However, ‘Big Foe’ was far from done. Mustering up a thrilling performance, the No. 20 seed maintained his composure to conclude the match with a four-set score of 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Dimitrov drew his toughest encounter at the US Open in the fourth round. Clashing with Andrey Rublev, the No. 9 displayed immense talent up until the Russian star captured the third and fourth set, forcing a decider. Nevertheless, the Bulgarian brought all his experience and quality to the fore to showcase why he deserved to advance, as he wrapped the contest in a five-set thriller, 6-3, 7-6(3), 1-6, 3-6, 6-3.

Tiafoe vs Dimitrov: Head-to-Head

Both players will mark their fifth overall meet on the ATP Tour, having last contested at the 2023 Wimbledon, wherein the Bulgarian knocked Tiafoe out. It will be interesting to see whether the latter can avenge last year’s Wimbledon defeat at Flushing Meadows this year. As of now, Dimitrov leads the American pro 3-1 in their head-to-head.

• 2023 Wimbledon, R32: Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3, 6-2
• 2019 Australian Open, R16: Tiafoe 7-5, 7-6(6), 6-7(1), 7-5
• 2018 Laver Cup, Round Robin: Dimitrov 6-1, 6-4
• 2018 Canadian Open, R16: Dimitrov 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(4)

Prediction: ‘Big Foe’ to win in four sets

Having taken full advantage of an unexpected shake-up in the draw following Djokovic’s shock exit, Frances Tiafoe has advanced to his third consecutive QF in New York. However, his journey during the build-up to the hardcourt Slam wasn’t seamless. He struggled in all three Majors but later, found his momentum and finished runner-up at the Cincinnati Masters.

Thriving on an expressive game style, Tiafoe utilizes his powerful groundstrokes to dictate points. His strong net play and defensive skills make him a tough nut to crack. Although his backhand comes off as flat, the 26-year-old’s serve skills are impeccable. Notably, during his last encounter, the American star secured 77% of wins on his first serve while registering a healthy 57% on the second.

Dimitrov, on the other hand, has rediscovered his best form in the past 16 months. Despite enduring injury setbacks, the Bulgarian secured a QF spot at SW19 and French Open this year. Though his fitness has been somewhat patchy since his injury hiatus, the former World No. 3 still has plenty of fight left in him.

Known for his versatile gameplay, the 33-year-old troubles his opponents with a smooth one-handed backhand. Having a tendency to disrupt his rival’s rhythm, Dimitrov forces errors after meticulously executing shots from an unwinnable position. However, against Rublev, the No. 9 seed made a plethora of unforced errors (67) and also, struck 12 double faults.

In summary, it is safe to say that the quarterfinal showdown should see Frances Tiafoe advance. If the American can avoid a lapse in his focus, chances are that he will beat the Bulgarian and move to the last four, with the home crowd rooting for him.