(VIDEO) Frances Tiafoe tumbles twice on clay during Houston semi-final, helped up by heroic ball boy

Frances Tiafoe (No. 21) received assistance twice from a ball boy during his semifinal match at the Houston Open against Luciano Darderi. The American fell twice during the exchanges before prevailing 6-2, 7-6(2) and will defend the title from 2023 against Ben Shelton (No. 16).

The ATP Tour posted a video for 'Big-Foe' showing the falls he experienced, and in both cases, he was assisted by the ball boy who received applause from the audience. None of the falls were concerning for Tiafoe, who ended up with his body covered in the slippery clay.

The former world No. 10 is finding good sensations on clay after some disappointing results in the Sunshine Double, as he exited in the third round of Indian Wells (victory over Dusan Lajovic and defeat against Stefanos Tsitsipas) and then was eliminated in the debut at the Miami Open against Christopher O'Connell.

Tiafoe will seek to win back-to-back Houston Open titles, a feat achieved only by Andy Roddick (2001-2002) and Steve Johnson (2017-2018). However, he will have to challenge his compatriot Shelton, 21 years old, who will play only the second final of his career: "He’s got one of the best serves on the Tour. He’s a great player. It’s going to be a tough match and I’m ready for a good battle," Tiafoe said.