Frances Tiafoe wins US Open thriller, hug with heartbroken opponent goes viral

11th seed Frances Tiafoe staged an incredible comeback against fellow American Alex Michelsen. Tiafoe fought back from two sets down and battled for four hours and 40 minutes to set up one of the matches of this year’s US Open, winning 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6).

An incredible comeback brought one of the best moments of this year’s US Open. Michelsen, 22, broke down in tears after letting a two-set lead slip away as Tiafoe celebrated his victory on the other side of the court.

Seeing Michelsen crying inconsolably in front of the crowd, Tiafoe dropped his racket, interrupted the celebration and rushed to embrace his opponent. A long hug followed by a few words of comfort may have brought some comfort to the young American who scored the deepest shot at a Grand Slam.

Images of the exchange quickly spread across social media.

But behind the emotional moment was a brutal five-set battle that saw Michelsen come within touching distance of the biggest win of his career before Tiafoe produced an extraordinary fightback.

Michelsen has flown somewhat under the radar in his deepest run at a major, but he has earned a lot of respect on the biggest stage in American tennis. The 22-year-old fired 21 aces and looked to be firmly in control for much of the match, putting Tiafoe under pressure from the outset.

Tiafoe, meanwhile, struggled to find his rhythm on Arthur Ashe Stadium, despite having thrived on his beloved Louis Armstrong Stadium earlier in the tournament.

Compared to Michelsen’s 15 in the opening set, he hit just four match points before surrendering a critical break at set point. Michelsen then did his best work at the net in the second set, earning another crucial break with a fine backhand. Michelsen celebrates a point against Tiafoe. (Photo by Reuters)

The unseeded American had momentum and was suddenly just one hundred away from the biggest win of his career.

Things got even better for Michelsen at the start of the third set.

TIAFOE IS MAKING A MEGA COMEBACK

He broke Tiafoe in the opening game and advanced to the semifinals by a touch. But just as the pressure of the occasion began to creep in, Tiafoe found a way back.

Michelsen was serving for the match at 5-4 when nerves got the better of him. Two double faults gave Tiafoe the opening he had been waiting for and the 11th seed converted a break point to level the set at 5-5.

Suddenly the match changed.

Tiafoe put his foot on the gas and broke again at set point after surviving a cat-and-mouse exchange. He then carried that momentum into the fourth set, winning the first three games as he raised his level.

Michelsen, who looked to be in control of the match, was now simply fighting to stay alive.

Both American women saved their best tennis for the decisive set.

The final set became a nerve-racking battle, with neither player willing to give the other an opening. After four hours and 40 minutes of tennis, there was a tiebreak.

Tiafoe eventually prevailed 7-6(6), completing one of the best comebacks of his career and reaching the US Open semifinals for the third time. Frances Tiafoe celebrates victory against Michelsen. (Photo by Reuters)

For Michelsen, the defeat was devastating.

He reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal and pushed one of America’s most experienced players to the brink. But after coming so close to a semi-final spot, the 22-year-old struggled to contain his emotions.

That’s when Tiafoe turned attention away from his own victory.

Instead of prolonging the celebrations, he walked towards Michelsen and embraced his devastated compatriot. The moment lasted long enough for the two to exchange a few words, with Tiafoe trying to console the player who had just suffered an agonizing defeat.

“To be honest, no one else could make me cry at that moment,” Michelsen said afterward.

“Frances, he’s such a good guy and he said a lot of personal things and he kind of got me.

The gesture meant even more because Tiafoe knows exactly what it’s like to walk out of a Grand Slam after a crushing five-set defeat.

The American left Wimbledon and Roland Garros this year after five-set sagas, giving him a special understanding of the pain Michelsen was going through.

“I understand the moment,” Tiafoe said.

“He definitely cried on my shoulder. Yeah, we just talked and that was it.” Tiafoe and Michelsen embrace after their quarterfinal match. (Photo by Reuters)

It was a heartbreaking end to a career-best Grand Slam run for Michelsen. It was another trip to the US Open semifinals for Tiafoe.

But long after the score is forgotten, it may be the image of Tiafoe walking down the court to embrace his tearful opponent that will stay with those who watched that extraordinary night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Tiafoe will face either eighth-seeded Ben Shelton or defending champion Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the final.

– The end

Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

09 Sep 2026 08:07 IST