Frances Tiafoe rallies to hold off fellow American’s upset bid in US…
Frances Tiafoe’s U.S. Open run practically was reduce quick by his countryman.
Only certainly one of Tiafoe or Martin Damm Jr. might go on in hopes of ending the 23-year Grand Slam title drought for American males, however Tiafoe prevailed after rallying from down two units to one to take a 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over the Florida native.
“Tennis is tennis, and obviously it’s fitting to have it here in New York,” Tiafoe said during his on-court interview. “It was a crazy match. He had such a good serve. … In the last two sets, I just wanted to be tough. … I’ve won matches this year that I shouldn’t have.”
Frances Tiafoe of the United States, left, embraces Martin Damm of the United States after Tiafoe gained their match during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Frances Tiafoe, proper, embraces Martin Damm after Tiafoe gained their match during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Tiafoe regarded sturdy in his first set of the tournament, holding agency on his serve and leaving Damm little alternative to counter. And after a grueling run to the Cincinnati Open final earlier this month, when he battled excessive bodily fatigue and painful cramps later in the tournament, Tiafoe appeared to be dealing with the bodily demand just advantageous.
Responding with a strong service game of his personal, however, Damm blasted seven aces on his means to night the match at one set apiece.
That’s when the match acquired dicey for Tiafoe, who double-faulted 4 occasions in the third set alone before ending with six on the evening.
The final game of the third set might’ve been a major blow to Tiafoe. Failing to convert on 4 break factors, Tiafoe discovered himself locked at deuce with Damm a whopping seven occasions.
Damm required 4 set factors of his personal before he might put the set away and take a 2-1 lead.
The crowd was behind Tiafoe as he ramped up his game in the final two units to keep away from what would’ve been his earliest exit in Flushing since 2017. Tiafoe had the benefit in the return game and secured three out of 9 complete break possibilities, which helped him separate himself from Damm.
Tiafoe, who has never made it past the semifinals of the U.S. Open, will face Japan’s Rei Sakamoto in Round 2.
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