‘I’ve watched every US Open since 1980 and this is the most amazing tennis I’ve ever seen!’: Celebrities, fans and ex-players go WILD for incredible Frances Tiafoe-Carlos Alcaraz semi-final battle, as pair show exactly why they’re the future of the sport
- American Frances Tiafoe took on Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the US Open final
- The pair put on an incredible show of talent to wow fans around the world Friday
- Celebrities and former players were among those watching the match unfold
- One fan said it was ‘most amazing tennis’ she had seen in 42 years of watching
Fans, celebrities and ex-players alike heaped praise on Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz after they provided a tennis showdown for the ages at the US Open on Friday night.
The young pair showed exactly why they are the future of the sport, putting on a mesmerizing display of talent to leave the crowd on Arthur Ashe – and at home on their sofas – gasping in amazement.
In fact, one supporter claimed she had watched ‘every US Open since 1980… and this is the most amazing tennis I have ever seen.’
One tennis fan said she hasn’t seen a more amazing tennis match in 42 years of watching
Carlos Alcaraz is just 19 and it is frightening to think how good he can be in the future
Former First Lady Michelle Obama watched with amazement from courtside at Arthur Ashe
Tiafoe announced himself to the world’s stage at this year’s US Open in Flushing Meadows
Points regularly drew a standing ovation in Queens on Friday night, as the battle reached fever pitch under the lights of a packed-out Arthur Ashe.
A final showdown with Norwegian Casper Rudd was at stake for the winner, and it was clear both man was desperate to book his spot in a first ever Grand Slam final.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama, NBA star Bradley Beal and tennis legend Martina Navratilova (plus her dog!) were all in attendance at courtside, and they won’t have left disappointed after the enthralling action on the main court.
On social media, fans were quick to praise both players, who both left with plenty of respect from their audience, disregarding the winner and loser.
One tennis fan wrote: ‘This Tiafoe-Alcaraz tennis match is amazing. If you like tennis at all and aren’t watching, you are missing out. Only in the second set too.’
Another noted: ‘What a matchup. Time to put on Jammies and settle in. It’s gonna be a long night. Go @FTiafoe!’
Fans headed to Twitter in their droves to celebrate the incredible tennis on show in Queens
NBA superstar Bradley Beal – and friend of Tiafoe – watched the match from courtside
The feelings of many, though, were summed up by the supporter who said: ‘I don’t care if you have never watched a single tennis match in your life. Watch Alcaraz-Tiafoe right now.’
American tennis legend Tracy Austin also took to social media to give her thoughts, writing: ‘The speed of these two is insane!! It’s like they are playing on fast forward.’
A brutal night on the court was lapped up by those in attendance, as the players dazzled with their near-miraculous foot-speed and powerful baseline rallies.
The match went on for hours and fans were loving every second as they watched from home
Arthur Ashe was packed out for the second of the two men’s singles semi-finals on Friday
American tennis legend Tracy Austin said it was like watching the players ‘on fast forward’
Alcaraz’s box cheer their man on during the match, which went on long into the night
The 19-year-odl Spaniard makes a brilliant return at the net during his match against Tiafoe
Martina Navratilova – and her dog Lulu – watches on… the pair have been regulars on Ashe
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk