US Open 2024: Three Players with Three Different Personalities, Team Yonex Marches to the Semifinals

New York City, UNITED STATES - The city that never sleeps energizes players like nowhere else in tennis-especially those who thrive on the roar of the crowd.

One such player is Frances Tiafoe (USA). On Wednesday night, a packed house inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, arrived not just to see a US Open quarterfinal, but also to back the 20^th-seeded American from Maryland. Despite the electrifying energy, Tiafoe stayed composed, moving around the court with remarkable energy.

The showman is now comfortable on the sport's biggest stage.

Early in the first set, Tiafoe broke Grigor Dimitrov's serve with a precise volley. It was then when he took his first full opportunity to engage those cheering him on, raising his arms to fire up the crowd. Tiafoe would claim the first set.

After the American lost a tiebreaker in the second set, Dimitrov began to show physical problems midway through the third set. While he tried to play through it, Dimitrov retired with Tiafoe up 4-1 in the fourth set. It sent Tiafoe into his second US Open semifinal in three years.

"I thought my game plan was perfect," Tiafoe said after the win. "I let him in there in the second a little bit, but I thought I just kept going; thought I applied pressure really well. I thought I played well."

Though Tiafoe faced challenges earlier this season, under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, he has transformed into a superhero. He has a new coach in David Witt, a renewed zest for competing... and he wants to play in front of the big crowds. It's what drives him.

In the semis, he'll face fellow American Taylor Fritz, with hopes of becoming the first American male Grand Slam finalist since Andy Roddick in 2009... and first at the US Open since Andre Agassi in 2006.

Pegula Beats World No. 1, Advances to Her First Grand Slam Semifinal

Jessica Pegula (USA) is known for her ability to see the game objectively. She excels at analyzing opponents, understanding the game, and making adjustments on the fly. And against Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, her talents were on full display.

"Well, I think today I wanted to come out playing the way I wanted to play," Pegula said, emphasizing the I. "I had an idea in my mind of what I learned from the last time I played her at [the WTA] Finals and wanted to play within myself and then just see where she was at."

In the first set, the Buffalo, New York, native was nearly flawless. She broke Swiatek's serve in the opening game and quickly took a 4-0 lead, overpowering the world No. 1 with sharp returns and laser-precise strokes. The match remained tight in the second set, but Pegula broke Swiatek at 3-all after an intense four-deuce game, cruising to victory amidst roaring cheers.

"I'm just happy that no one can ask me about making it to the semis anymore," Pegula told journalists, poking at their consistent questions about her (previous) 0-6 record in major quarterfinals.

She's clearly happy to break that streak. And wants to start a new one: As a Grand Slam champion.

Navarro's Cool Composure Leads to a Passionate Victory

For Emma Navarro (USA), it was only her second match ever at Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, the world's largest tennis arena already feels like home for the 23-year-old. Facing Paula Badosa, a 26-year-old former world No. 2, Navarro played with remarkable composure.

Her sharp, spinning forehands repeatedly pierced the court as she took the first set 6-2 in what was also just her second major quarterfinal.

The second set, however, was dominated by the Spaniard, who surged to a 5-1 lead. The New York crowd likely expected a third set, except for Navarro.

"I think I felt like she, even though she was up 5-1, 5-2 after that game, I felt like she wasn't totally confident in her ability to close out that set," Navarro reflected after the win. "So I felt like, you know, if I could push back a little bit and make her think on her service games, you know, maybe I could sneak my way back in there."

Her instincts proved correct. With steady returns and pressure, Navarro broke Badosa's serve and began to turn the tide. After winning five consecutive games, Navarro sealed the match with a well-placed drop shot.

After this dramatic comeback, the usually calm Navarro was beaming: She couldn't resist sharing her excitement with the 20,000-strong crowd.

"It's the US Open, baby!" Navarro said into the microphone. It sure is.

Yonex Dominating Junior Competition

In the junior event, which kicked off in the second week of the tournament, Yonex players are once again front and center. A total of 43 junior competitors-19 boys (30%) and 24 girls (38%)- are wielding Yonex racquets.

With a 34% usage rate, Yonex continues to lead racquet usage across all four majors this year: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and now the US Open.

Frances Tiafoe(USA) | PERCEPT 97 [LINK] / POLYTOUR PRO 125 [LINK]

Jessica Pegula (USA)| EZONE 98 [LINK]

Emma Navarro (USA) | VCORE 98 [LINK] / POLYTOUR REV 125 [LINK]

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