US Open – The prodigy Carlos Alcaraz challenges Frances Tiafoe, the hope of a nation: Flushing will blow the show – Eurosport FR

The context Whoever had bet on such a plateau for the semi-finals (Alcaraz-Tiafoe and Ruud-Khachanov) of the US Open was well inspired. But among the four contenders for the trophy, if there is a player we expected at this stage, it is Carlos Alcaraz. Despite his 19 years, the Murcian remained on a quarter at Flushing Meadows last summer, and he was above all seeded number 3 entering the fortnight. Finally, his presence is therefore a certain logic even if it remains exceptional for such a young player. On the other hand, Frances Tiafoe really blew his world away. It was almost four years ago at the 2019 Australian Open. At the time floored by Rafael Nadal, he took a resounding revenge a few days ago in the eighth – his third consecutive participation in the second week in New York -, annihilating at the same time the Majorcan’s dreams of a Petit Slam. area where he has made enormous progress in contact with his new coach Wayne Ferreira) at all times, “Big Foe” has achieved a high-flying performance that brought tears to his eyes. But perhaps the strongest was his ability to quickly turn the page to confirm his feat during his quarter against Andrey Rublev. To pursue his dream of succeeding Andy Roddick, the last American winner in front of his home crowd in 2003, he will have to stay on his cloud. Because against Carlos Alcaraz, Tiafoe will not be favorite either, even if he is five years old more than its rival. The Murcian, already with extraordinary regularity in excellence, intends to complete a hair-raising year in New York which could consecrate him as the youngest world number 1 in the history of the game. Mind-boggling perseverance and talent against Marin Cilic (former winner) and especially Jannik Sinner during a monumental quarter, nothing seems to be able to stop him. Except maybe fatigue and a Tiafoe still on fire… Face-to-face Slight advantage… Tiafoe. The American thus emerged victorious from their only previous confrontation. It was on Barcelona clay last year (6-4, 7-6). Difficult for all that to draw any conclusion because the Spaniard has taken a sacred dimension in recent months. There is even a world of difference between the promising youngster he was then and the now assumed cador of the circuit that he has become. A match that will go down in history: the highlights of an exceptional Alcaraz-SinnerTheir journeyCarlos Alcaraz1st round: beats Sebastian Baez [ARG] on retirement 7-5, 7-5, 2-0 ab.
2nd round: defeats Federico Coria [ARG] 6-2, 6-1, 7-5
3rd round: defeats Jenson Brooksby [E-U] 6-3, 6-3, 6-3
1/8th final: defeats Marin Cilic [CRO/N.15] 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
1/4 final: beat Jannik Sinner [ITA/N.11] 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-7(0), 7-5, 6-3Frances Tiafoe1st round: beat Marcos Giron [E-U] 7-6(0), 6-4, 6-3
2nd round: defeats Jason Kubler [AUS] 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-6(2)
3rd round: defeats Diego Schwartzman [ARG/N.14] 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4
Round of 16: Defeat Rafael Nadal [ESP/N.2] 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
1/4 final: beat Andrey Rublev [RUS/N.9] 7-6(3), 7-6(0), 6-4They said Carlos Alcaraz: “It’s great to reach my first Grand Slam semi-final, especially here at the US Open. The tournament is fantastic. The crowd too. I would even say it’s the best in the world. The energy I received on this court at 3 am is incredible. In other tournaments, people would probably have left, but there they stayed and supported me.”Frances Tiafoe: “I love playing on big courts that are full to the brim. I love showing the world what I am capable of. When people appreciate good tennis and my tenacity, it makes me feel good. Especially knowing where I come from. To see so many people behind me means a lot. I just want to give the public what they want and they want to see me win.” sets for a monumental feat: how Tiafoe tamed NadalThree stats to remember10. This is the number of hours (and dust) that separated the respective qualifications of Frances Tiafoe in the afternoon of Wednesday (around 4:45 p.m.) and Carlos Alcaraz on Thursday in the early morning (2:52 a.m., a record in Flushing meadows). Although the Spaniard recovers quickly, this delay could weigh on his legs during this semi-final. In addition, he spent 1h27 more on the court than his future opponent in this fortnight (4 p.m. against 2:33 p.m.). 1972. Frances Tiafoe became the first African-American to reach the semi-finals of the US Open in 50 years and Arthur Ashe in 1972. In a twist of fate, he achieved this performance on the court that bears the name of his illustrious predecessor. All origins combined, it had been 16 years since a representative of the star-spangled banner had gone this far: Tiafoe also succeeded Andy Roddick in 2006.36. Or the number of breaks made in five matches by Carlos Alcaraz, leader in this area (tied with Jannik Sinner). Frances Tiafoe only scored 20, the 10th best total. The Spaniard would therefore be well advised to assert his qualities as a raiser because if the two players were to play one or more tie-breaks, the balance of power could well be reversed. The American won his six decisive games of the tournament (6-0), while Alcaraz lost the two he played (0-2).Our opinionAnything other than a firework of winners and an overheated atmosphere would be disappointing. Given the liabilities in this fortnight of the two jokers who will compete under the spotlights of the Arthur-Ashe court on the night from Friday to Saturday and their state of form, there should be sparks. Each in their own way, Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe showed great panache to validate their place in the last four. And at this point, it would be surprising if they didn’t continue their momentum. But who will be the more liberated of the two? “Big Foe” seems on cloud nine and on a mission to perform the feat of a lifetime in front of his audience. Carlos Alcaraz has also shattered his glass ceiling, but he will have an additional challenge in mind (which he shares with Casper Ruud in the other half): the prospect of becoming world number 1 at the end of the tournament, and what’s more the youngest in history. At 19, although exceptional, he is not completely impervious to pressure. The other question lies in the Murcian’s ability to recover. Certainly, his youth and his immense physical progress will help him, but his late eighth and quarter-finals could weigh on the legs. Unless the prospect of a final gives it extra soul. In the event of a long fight, the experience gained from his two previous successes could be fundamental. By his classification and his season, he remains the favorite, even very slightly. It’s up to him, again. Our prognosis: Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. US Open “I don’t know how I did it”, “it’s going to hurt me”: Alcaraz and Sinner will remember YESTERDAY AT 09:12 US OpenTiafoe lets herself be carried away without getting drunkYDAY AT 02:43