US Open 2022 – Carlos Alcaraz battles past Frances Tiafoe in epic clash to reach maiden Grand Slam final

Carlos Alcaraz overcame the gutsy Frances Tiafoe in five brutal sets, 6-7(6) 6-3 6-1 6-7(5) 6-3, to reach his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open after a classic clash.

The third seed, who reached the quarter-finals of the French Open earlier in the season before losing out to Alexander Zverev, lost the opening set to the home favourite but managed to respond superbly.

Tiafoe simply refused to give up in a memorable display of battling tennis and threw absolutely everything at the young Spaniard, but he still came up just short in a pulsating encounter in front of a packed crowd.

A cagey opening set always appeared destined for a tie-break, with the result equally as predictable as Tiafoe extended his astonishing streak to 7-0 in breakers this fortnight.

The New York crowd were incredibly boisterous with the American holding the early lead, but an unfazed Alcaraz showed very impressive composure and resilience to battle his way back.

The Spaniard broke the 22nd seed’s serve at a crucial point in the second set to ensure that his response was swift and telling. He was able to consolidate his break and close out the set to get back on level terms.

It was at that point that Alcaraz pulled away. He quickly seized a break of serve in the third set to further stamp his authority on the match and a stunned Tiafoe could only muster a single game.

The fourth set followed a similar pattern initially as Alcaraz was able to pounce for a crucial break at 2-1 and appeared to be cruising, but the doughty Tiafoe again battled back.

The 24-year-old from Maryland, almost inevitably, then extended his tie-break record to 8-0 for the tournament to level up the match and take Alcaraz into yet another five-set marathon.

Again Alcaraz raced into an early lead in the fifth set, and again his advantage was squandered as Tiafoe continued to show incredible powers of recovery when seemingly destined for defeat.

Eventually, Alcaraz was able to find a way through Tiafoe’s defences and consolidate his advantage to close out a classic semi-final after well over four hours of enthralling action.