{
  "id": 6348368,
  "title": "Tiafoe reaches US Open semis in thrilling fightback",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/tiafoe-reaches-us-open-semis-in-thrilling-fightback-6348368",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T23:38:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/09/tiafoe-reaches-us-open-semis-in-thrilling-fightback"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York, New York - Frances Tiafoe, the American tennis player, has again advanced to the US Open semi-finals after an impressive comeback against US player Alex Michelsen. Tiafoe endured a grueling five-set battle, winning 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6) in a match that lasted four hours and 38 minutes. His victory marked his third appearance in the semi-finals at the prestigious tournament.\n\nTiafoe's journey to the semi-finals began with a loss of the first two sets and a break down. However, he managed to turn the tide in the third set, ultimately clinching the match with a powerful forehand winner. The iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium proved a perfect platform for Tiafoe, who demonstrated his prowess with just 15 winners in the opening set, compared to Michelsen's 4.\n\nMichelsen attempted to regain control in the second set, securing the decisive break with a well-executed backhand shot. He continued to press in the third set, breaking again early and again in the opening game of the next set. But Tiafoe's determination never wavered. He managed to equalize in the tenth game of the third set, following Michelsen's loss of poise, before overpowering his opponent with a break on set point and dominating the following three games in the penultimate set.",
  "summary": "Frances Tiafoe recovered from two sets and a break down to beat US compatriot Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(6).",
  "key_points": [
    "Frances Tiafoe reaches US Open semi-finals",
    "Defeats Alex Michelsen in five-set thriller",
    "Match lasts four hours and 38 minutes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Tiafoe reaches US Open semis in thrilling fightback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/tiafoe-reaches-us-open-semis-in-thrilling-fightback",
        "published": "2026-09-08T23:24:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Tiafoe reaches US Open semis in thrilling fightback",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/tiafoe-reaches-us-open-semis-in-thrilling-fightback-6350463",
        "published": "2026-09-08T23:38:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Tiafoe gives Michelsen a hug and a shoulder to cry on after his US Open victory",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/tiafoe-gives-michelsen-a-hug-and-a-shoulder-to-cry-on-after-his-us",
        "published": "2026-09-09T00:06:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}