MY ACCOUNT
Frances Tiafoe insisted he will return and win the US Open “one day” after coming up short in an enthralling five-set semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
The home favourite won the first and fourth sets on tie breaks, only to lose the decider as his 19-year-old opponent sealed a 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 victory on Friday.
Tiafoe was emotional after his loss as an appreciative crowd at Flushing Meadows acknowledged his efforts.
“I gave everything I had,” he said during his on-court interview. “Too good from Carlos tonight.
“I gave everything I had for the last two weeks. I came here wanting to win the US Open and I feel I let you guys down.”
The 24-year-old had an impressive run in the tournament, beating higher seeds Diego Schwartzman, Rafael Nadal and Andrey Rublev to reach the final four.
“This one hurts. This one really, really hurts,” he added. “Too good from Carlos, you’re gonna win a lot of grand slams, you’re a hell of a player, hell of a person.
“I’m happy I got to share the court and such a big stage with you.
“I’m going to come back and I will win this thing one day. I’m sorry guys.”
Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final after the Norwegian beat Karen Khachanov in four sets in Friday’s other semi-final.
