Due to a rain-soaked week in Houston, Frances Tiafoe has needed to win three matches between Saturday and Sunday to reach the final. The American has done just that, eliminating Dutchman Gijs Brouwer 6-4, 6-1 Sunday afternoon to move into the championship clash at the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship.

“I feel good, I feel good. I’m running on adrenaline,” Tiafoe said in his on-court interview. “I’ve got this crowd behind me and I’m on a mission, so I’m happy.”

Competing as the top seed at an ATP Tour event for the first time, Tiafoe is now one victory from claiming his second tour-level crown and his first since 2018 in Delray Beach.

Tiafoe will play the winner of Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Yannick Hanfmann not before 7 p.m. local time. Both players are pursuing their first ATP Tour trophy.

“Just trying to get a win. Whoever I play… they’re both great players,” Tiafoe said. “I’m just going to rest, I’m going to kick my feet up and I’ll see you guys at 7.”

There were few complications for Tiafoe against the Houston-born Brouwer. The American did not face a break point in his 59-minute triumph.

“I hadn’t played him before, so was trying to feel him out in the beginning,” Tiafoe said. “I thought after I got that break in the first I really started playing well and took off. Great performance and I’ve got one more.”

Did You Know?
Tiafoe will climb to a new career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of at least No. 12 on Monday. If the home favourite wins the title, he will ascend to No. 11.