“It was definitely a Braveheart-type win”: Frances Tiafoe sums up epic US Open comeback against Alex Michelsen

Wednesday, 09 September 2026 at 06:30

Frances Tiafoe was two sets down, struggling to find his best tennis and staring at another potentially painful Grand Slam exit. Instead, the American produced one of the biggest comebacks of his career to keep his US Open dream alive.

Tiafoe defeated fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) after four hours and 38 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Michelsen had been in control for long stretches, but Tiafoe gradually dragged himself back into a match that appeared to be slipping away.

The victory sends Tiafoe into his third US Open semifinal, following his runs to the last four in 2022 and 2024. It also continues a strong second week in New York after he defeated former champion Daniil Medvedev in the fourth round.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. For Tiafoe, this was about surviving the difficult moments, finding one opening and refusing to let the match disappear. And afterwards, he had a particularly fitting way of describing what he had just produced. “I mean, it was crazy. I mean, it was definitely a Braveheart-type win.”

“It’s the one point”

Tiafoe was candid about his performance during the first half of the match. He did not pretend that he had suddenly discovered some perfect level of tennis. Instead, he credited the five-set format with giving him enough time to work his way back into the contest.

“It wasn't good. Let's put it that way. It wasn't good. But three out of five is a blessing because you have time to kind of get it together.”

Frances Tiafoe was not able to defend his final from the 2024 Cininnati Open after an early exit

Eventually, the momentum began to shift. Tiafoe started finding the court more consistently, getting into rallies and moving forward, with the Ashe crowd becoming increasingly involved.

“I definitely waited for the last minute. And then I was able to turn around," the former world No. 10 said in press conference. "I was able to finally get momentum, see some balls in the court, get some rallies, find myself at the net and hit some, you know, good shots to get the crowd going.”

“But I mean, it's just tennis, man. You see a little opening window, you see turning points — one point — and all of a sudden you're four hours later in a battle. It's the one point. So tennis is a unique sport like that.”

That one-point mentality was particularly important in the deciding set. After Michelsen had pushed him all the way to a final-set tiebreak, Tiafoe eventually prevailed to complete the comeback and move into another semifinal in New York.

He was not interested in pretending the significance of the victory was smaller than it was. “Yeah, the moment's huge," Tiafoe claimed. “I'm not going to downplay it at all. Like, the moment's huge.”

Big-Foe has endured his share of difficult Grand Slam defeats, including previous deep runs in New York, but this time he found a way through. “I mean, it ranks pretty high in probably all-time wins in a Slam. I mean, I don't know, I don't know where, but it ranks pretty high.”

“Three out of five is a blessing”

There was another reason Tiafoe was grateful for the format that allowed him to complete his comeback. The American has no doubts that men's Grand Slam tennis should remain best-of-five. “I mean, a hundred percent. I think the demands — we need to stick with three out of five.”

Tiafoe admitted that five-setters are not necessarily something he enjoys playing. But he believes the possibility of these long battles is fundamental to the history and identity of Grand Slam tennis.

“But, I mean, you've seen so many epics in five-setters. I mean, do I love five-setters? Absolutely not. There's a lot of times where I'm up two sets to love, love to shake hands and go home.”

The American grew up watching the marathon matches that helped define the careers of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. For him, those battles are part of what makes winning a Grand Slam different.

“But it's tennis, man. You know, I mean, I grew up watching so many incredible five-setters — Novak, Rafa, Federer-Rafa, epic five-setters that go on for hours and hours. Like, that's the history of the game.”

After living through one himself, Tiafoe went even further. “I feel like your Slam doesn't mean as much personally if you get it done to a three-set format.”

Read also

Now, after surviving Michelsen in one of the tournament's biggest battles, Tiafoe has two days to recover before his third US Open semifinal. Whether Carlos Alcaraz or Ben Shelton awaits, the American has already shown that he can survive when the match appears to be gone.

For a player who called his comeback a “Braveheart-type win,” that may be the most important takeaway of all.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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