Carlos Alcaraz vs. Frances Tiafoe: A battle of tennis’ rising stars in pictures

In this article, The 2022 US Open semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe was an exciting affair that showcased their talent and potential as two of men’s tennis’s rising young stars. Alcaraz, 18-year-old Spaniard sensation and Tiafoe, 24 year-old American crowd favorite battled it out over four hours for a place in their first Grand Slam final; Alcaraz ultimately emerged victorious 6-4 7-7(6) 6-1 6-7(5) 6-3. Here are some memorable images captured during their unforgettable battle.

The first set: A tight tiebreak

The opening set was tight, with both players holding their serves and exchanging powerful shots from the baseline. Unfortunately, neither was able to create break point opportunities; hence it went to tiebreak where Alcaraz saved one set point with a forehand winner at 5-6 and won it with an 8-6 backhand volley winner; celebrating by giving Tiafoe an incredulous fist pump afterward.

Alcaraz strikes a forehand winner to save set point in the first set tiebreak.

Alcaraz celebrates after winning the first set in a tiebreak.

Tiafoe reacts after dropping the first set in a tiebreak.

The second set: Alcaraz takes control

Alcaraz raised his level and broke Tiafoe twice to take an early lead, hitting more accurate forehand shots with greater depth and variety as well as dropping shots and lobs with flair and variety. Tiafoe tried hard, serving well and showing fight, but couldn’t match Alcaraz’s intensity or consistency – sealing this set with a backhand down the line to move one set closer towards final.

Alcaraz hits a backhand down the line to take control of the second set.

Tiafoe was visibly distressed after losing the second set.

The third set: Alcaraz dominates

Alcaraz produced an unforgettable performance in the third set, showing his full range of skills and shots to beat Tiafoe three times without facing a single break point on his own serve. He hit winners from both wings while coming to the net to finish points off with volleys or smashes; additionally he showcased athleticism and speed by chasing down every ball while sliding across the hard court surface – Tiafoe had no response for Alcaraz’s brilliance and fell 6-1 within 25 minutes.

Alcaraz slides forehand over Alvarez to hit an ace in the third set.

Alcaraz hits a stunning one-handed smash in the third set.

Tiafoe looks dejected after losing the third set.

The fourth set: Tiafoe fights back

Tiafoe took an unexpected and dramatic turn in the fourth set, refusing to concede defeat and finding ways to extend it. He increased both energy and aggression, striking his forehand with more force and confidence, engaging the crowd and shouting “Let’s go” after winning key points. Alcaraz began making more errors and losing focus before having match point at 5-4 but being saved by Tiafoe with a big serve; going into another tiebreak where Tiafoe once more emerged victorious by hitting his crosscourt forehand for 7-5.

Tiafoe raises his arms after winning a point in the fourth set.

Tiafoe celebrates winning the fourth set in a tiebreak [Image Credits: Tiafoe].

Alcaraz appears distraught after losing in a fourth set tiebreak.

The fifth set: Alcaraz regroups and wins

The fifth set was an intense and exciting climax as both players gave everything they had to reach the final. Alcaraz quickly rebounded from losing the fourth set by finding his game again; breaking Tiafoe early and holding his serve effortlessly to secure another set win for Alcaraz. Tiafoe attempted one final comeback attempt but failed despite efforts by Alcaraz’s opponent to bring about one more comeback attempt; thus Alcaraz finally won with ease to advance to his first final appearance since 2005.