Frances Tiafoe Overcomes Kovacevic in Thrilling U.S. Open First Round

Frances Tiafoe defeated fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic in a tense first-round match at the U.S. Open, winning 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. Tiafoe, aiming to win his home Grand Slam, showcased resilience and composure, overcoming challenging conditions under the closed roof of Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Frances Tiafoe held off fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic to come away with a 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 win in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday.

Tiafoe, seeded 20th, remained composed as the pressure increased, advancing as he aims to fulfill his promise of winning his home Grand Slam. Kovacevic, a New York native making his debut, showed nerves in the opener's 10th game, allowing Tiafoe to take advantage and win the first set.

Tiafoe built on his momentum, taking a 4-2 lead in the second set and a 2-0 lead in the third when Kovacevic's backhand faltered. Kovacevic rallied in the third set, hitting an impressive forehand winner and forcing a fourth set.

However, Tiafoe broke for a 6-5 lead in the fourth set and converted his fifth match point to secure the win. Thunderstorms led to the roof's closure on Louis Armstrong Stadium, affecting the match conditions.

Tiafoe remarked on the challenging, muggy conditions after the roof closed. Despite struggling with breathing, he pulled through and aims to build on his recent momentum from reaching the Cincinnati Open final.

Next, Tiafoe will face Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan in the second round.

(With inputs from agencies.)