Ten years after making his pro debut at his hometown tournament, Frances Tiafoe has never been closer to capturing an elusive DC title.
Before a raucous late-night crowd on Stadium Court, Tiafoe made that official, reaching the semifinals with a 6-4, 7-6(3) triumph over World No.8 Andrey Rublev.
Minutes after midnight, as a Rublev backhand sailed wide on Tiafoe’s first match point, the College Park native raised his arms, gave a sly smile towards his box and flexed. The fans showered him with one more ovation.
After falling to the eventual DC champion in the quarterfinals each of the past two years, Tiafoe has broken through.
For the first time in his now decade-long career, Tiafoe will play into the weekend at the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
“It's big,” he said. “Obviously I've wanted to do that for a very long time, get in the weekend, get into the business end of the tournament. It’s great thing I broke that streak. Obviously, I want more. I'm not really that ecstatic about it. I'm just happy I get another win here.”
The stadium was filled until the last point was played at 12:05 am, capping off a memorable Friday at the Rock Creek Tennis Center and marking the 42nd and 43rd-straight sold-out sessions since 2019 for the tournament.
Tiafoe brought a healthy swagger to his quarterfinal, relying on powerful groundstrokes, a strong serve and efficient net play. He played to the crowd, fist pumping and feeding off their energy.
“I think it's the best crowd by far,” he said. “I thought it was pretty much full. People going absolutely nuts. I did a great job of getting them in there early, getting them riled up. They were so with me. It was super one-sided. I think everybody was really excited for me this year, really want me to get going… I can really feel the love that they have for me here right now.”
Tiafoe was engaged from the get-go, closing out the sixth game of the first set with an off-balance backhand down the line that brought the crowd to its feet. Tiafoe broke Rublev one game later, before playing to the crowd as he walked to his chair for the changeover.
The scene was special for Tiafoe, but so was a win over Rublev- Tiafoe’s first Top-10 triumph since 2022.
“I feel incredible,” Tiafoe said. “It wasn't any easier today playing Andrey. I knew what I had to come with. He's [eighth] in the world, been Top 10 for so long. I knew the level I had to bring. Glad I brought it. It was an incredible atmosphere.”
Tiafoe will next face Sebastian Korda in the semifinals Saturday night. Tiafoe has a 3-2 lifetime record against Korda, though Korda has won their last two meetings. They meet again Saturday in the first all-American men’s semifinal in DC since 2015 (John Isner d. Steve Johnson).
Korda, who saved multiple match points in a third-round win over Thanasi Kokkinakis, was a straight-sets winner Friday over Aussie Jordan Thompson. Korda this weekend is looking to join his father Petr (1992) in becoming the first father-son duo to capture Washington titles.
The first men’s semifinal in Saturday’s evening session will see American World No.14 Ben Shelton take on rising Italian Flavio Cobolli.
Shelton reached his fourth semi after the year when his quarterfinal opponent, Canadian wild card Denis Shapovalov, received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct which resulted in a default.
Shelton was getting to serve on triple match point with a 6-3 lead in the second-set tiebreak.
Cobolli outlasted 19-year-old American Alex Michelsen in a third-set tiebreak Friday afternoon on John Harris. The 22-year-old Italian, who saved five match points earlier in the tournament in a third-round triumph over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, is through to the first 500-level semifinal of his career.
SABALENKA HODLS OFF AZARENKA IN WTA QUARTERS:
Tiafoe’s 196th career match win Friday capped off an epic evening session which also saw top-seed Aryna Sabalenka hold off Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-4 in an as-advertised battle between two-time Australian Open champions and former World No.1 players.
“That was great match,” Sabalenka said after improving to 5-1 lifetime against Azarenka. “She's an incredible player. Always tough battles against her. She always bring the best fight she can. I always enjoy playing against her. Just super happy to get through this tough match.”
Sabalenka, who returned to competition this week after having to withdraw from Wimbledon with a shoulder injury, fired eight aces and 28 winners in a clash of heavy hitters.
The buzz from the capacity crowd was palpable.
“I'm really enjoying being here in Washington,” Sabalenka said of her first appearance in DC in seven years. “People, the support I'm feeling here is incredible. It was really enjoyable playing in front of all of them.”
The World No.3 now faces a quick turnaround as she’ll meet Marie Bouzkova in the semifinals as part of Saturday’s daytime session (Session 9 for ticketholders) beginning at 12:00 p.m. (gates open at 11:30 a.m.)
Bouzkova reached the semis with a straight-sets win over DC’s Robin Montgomery Friday on John Harris Court. Despite the defeat, the 19-year-old Montgomery showed herself well in her home main draw debut and is positioned for a career-best ranking of No. 106 next week.
The first WTA semifinal Saturday will see former World No.2 and wild card Paula Badosa face American Caroline Dolehide (not before 2:30 p.m.).
