"Sometimes when I see Alcaraz, I just want to knock him out": 2022 US Open semi-final loss still weighs heavy on Frances Tiafoe

Frances Tiafoe recalled his defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals of the 2022 US Open and mentioned his disappointment at losing as the local tennis star in front of notable figures like Michelle Obama and Denzel Washington.

The former world No. 10 was the great local hope and was making history by reaching the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, becoming the first American to do so since Andy Roddick in 2006, who lost in the final to Roger Federer.

Tiafoe's aspirations to end the American drought in their Grand Slam were thwarted by the world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who secured victory in five sets by 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3. The Spaniard then defeated Casper Ruud in the final to claim his first Grand Slam title and reach the world No. 1 for the first time in his career.

Recently, Tiafoe discussed the tough defeat he suffered in an episode of the Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast alongside the Australian star: "It doesn’t even really hurt. It was so iconic, like it was such a good match. I was like, ‘This dude, I’m going to have to go through this.’ I was even thinking about it during the match like, ‘Damn, this guy is going to be a problem for a long time,'" Tiafoe said.

"Just battling and every who’s who is there. Imagine looking up and you’re about to start the biggest match of your life and you look up and Michelle Obama is sitting in the front row. Like getting her out of the house," Tiafoe added.

"Denzel Washington is there, everyone I’m looking up to. I guess for the country, it was just nuts. It was out of control, I’ve never been in an environment like that," he added.

"And competing against a guy like that who is giving it all, I’m giving it my all, I’m cursing at the crowd like, ‘Give me f**king everything.' Taking the L at the end was tough, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt like the crowd was literally on my fingertips, something I will remember for the rest of my life," former world No. 10 said.

"I think about that fifth set, like I’m one set away from the US Open final. I was thinking of the highs of it. Just walking on the court, I’m thinking about what that would’ve been to just go and hold that trophy, at least have the chance to compete for that trophy,"

"I think about it all the time, like even sometimes when I see the guy (Alcaraz), I just want to knock him out. Obviously, he’s the nicest guy in the world, so, of course not, but it’s one of those that hurt," he concluded.