Tiafoe relishing 'epic' battle with Fritz

NEW YORK — Frances Tiafoe promised an epic US Open semifinal showdown against Taylor Fritz, as the childhood friends with contrasting personalities, but similar ambitions, look to end a long Grand Slam drought for American men.

Tiafoe advanced to the first all-American Grand Slam semifinal since 2005 on Tuesday, when Grigor Dimitrov retired injured trailing 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1, just hours after Fritz moved past Alexander Zverev 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

The winner of Friday's clash will become the first American man to reach a Grand Slam final since Andy Roddick lost to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2009. Roddick was the last US player to win a men's major when he won in New York in 2003.