Maryland's Frances Tiafoe becomes first American in 16 years to advance to US Open semifinal

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Frances Tiafoe of the United States celebrates after defeating Andrey Rublev during their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match on Day Ten of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September

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NEW YORK - Maryland native Frances Tiafoe became the first American man to reach the U.S. Open semifinals since 2006 by beating Andrey Rublev 7-6 (3), 7-6 (0), 6-4 behind the backing of a boisterous partisan crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Tiafoe, who grew up in Hyattsville, put on a performance just as strong, if not stronger, than the one he used to eliminate 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the fourth round.

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The No. 22-seeded Tiafoe played aggressive, offensive tennis and used 18 aces along with strong net play to oust No. 9 Rublev, a Russian who dropped to 0-6 in major quarterfinals.

Andy Roddick was the last U.S. man to get to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows when he lost to Roger Fededer in the title match 16 years ago. Roddick also was the last man from the country to win any Grand Slam singles championship, taking the 2003 U.S. Open.

Hyattsville native Frances Tiafoe defeats Rafael Nadal in U.S. Open

Maryland's Frances Tiafoe has ended Rafael Nadal's 22-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments by beating the 22-time major champion in the U.S. Open's fourth round.

Tiafoe’s first career Grand Slam semifinal will come Friday against No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz or No. 11 Jannik Sinner, who will face off against each other on Thursday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.