NEW YORK—Frances Tiafoe came up short in his quest for a U.S. Open title but he walks out of Flushing Meadows having boosted hope for the future of American men’s tennis after reaching the semi-final.
The United States have not produced a men’s Grand Slam winner for nearly two decades after Andy Roddick hoisted a trophy at the U.S. Open, a stunning reversal of fortune since the golden years of Sampras and Agassi.
But Tiafoe offered American fans a rare glimmer of hope this year as he delivered one thrilling performance after another, including a fourth-round stunner over Rafa Nadal, to become the first American man to reach a major semi-final since John Isner did at Wimbledon four years ago….