Tiafoe, Michelsen, Shelton Reach US Open Quarterfinals as Americans Chase First Slam Title Since 2003

Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen won their fourth-round matches Sunday to join Ben Shelton in the US Open quarterfinals, giving the United States three men in the final eight at a major for the first time since 1995. The Americans are mounting their most serious challenge in years to end a Grand Slam title drought dating back to Andy Roddick's 2003 US Open triumph.

Tiafoe, seeded 11th, defeated 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (1), 6-4, 7-6 (6) in a match lasting over three hours. The victory puts him one win from his third US Open semifinal appearance. Michelsen, 22, continued his dominant run by beating No. 27 seed Tomas Etcheverry 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-4, becoming the only man yet to drop a set in the tournament.

“This sport's so international, so to be able to play in front of friends, family, loved ones, is amazing.”

Shelton, the No. 8 seed, delivered his best performance of the event with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas. The three quarterfinalists ensure an American will reach the semifinals, as Tiafoe and Michelsen face each other next, while Shelton meets defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz was the only player to stop an American on Sunday, defeating No. 20 seed Tommy Paul in straight sets. A fourth American could join the quarterfinalists Monday when No. 14 seed Learner Tien faces Karen Khachanov. Five US men reached the round of 16, the most at a major since 1995.

"We play so much outside of the States, a lot of time in Europe," Tiafoe said. "This sport's so international, so to be able to play in front of friends, family, loved ones, is amazing. They don't get to see you much, so you want to put on a show."

Michelsen, reaching his first Grand Slam quarterfinal, said: "We've been working really hard to get to this point and I'm really happy but not super surprised because of all the work I put in my whole life." The last time Americans came this close to ending the drought was 2022, when Taylor Fritz beat Tiafoe in the first all-US men's major semifinal since 2005.