Update: Prince George’s County native Frances Tiafoe defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 Wednesday, making him the first American man to reach the semifinal round of the US Open since 2006.

“Let’s enjoy this one; we got two more guys we got two more,” an emboldened Tiafoe said following the match.

Tiafoe also holds the distinction of being the first Black American man to reach a US Open semifinal round since Arthur Ashe did in 1972. Ashe would go on to win three Grand Slams in his career and the court on which today’s game was played is named in his honor.

Tiafoe’s next match is scheduled for Friday, when he will face either Carlos Alcaraz of Spain or  Jannik Sinner of Italy.

Original: Prince George’s County native Frances Tiafoe defeated Rafael Nadal in the US Open yesterday, delivering the international tennis superstar his first loss at a Grand Slam all year.

An emotional Tiafoe was enveloped by the roaring audience at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, NY after defeating Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 after three-and-a-half-hours of play.

The 24-year old is the first American to beat Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, since 2005.

Have a moment Frances Tiafoe!#USOpen pic.twitter.com/egoIVDoRWh

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022

Tiafoe, the son of Sierra Leonean immigrants, grew up with his parents and twin brother, Franklin, in a room at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, where he would eventually train. His father helped build the facility as a laborer, then remained on staff as the head of maintenance when it was complete. 

“His story was kind of unique,” says Joe Wilkerson, Senior Vice President of the JTCC Center told DCist/WAMU. 

“As a young kid, he just took a liking to the sport, and the coaching staff here at the time recognized that he had some great talent and had him participate in the program for free…and it just kind of went from there kept going and going,” Wilkerson recalled.

Despite his newfound superstardom, Tiafoe will not likely lose touch with his Maryland roots anytime soon.

“He still calls Hyattsville home. He still trains at the JTCC when he’s not out on the road, so we see him here on a regular basis when he’s not on tour,” Wilkerson said.

Moreover, Tiafoe’s success is bigger than just this win, Wilkerson says. Prince George’s County has a storied history of producing elite athletes in other sports, including basketball star Kevin Durant and NFL player Cameron Wake. Now tennis has a place in that circle. 

Tiafoe’s win also sends a message, Wilkerson says.

“Kids who come in and put their time and effort in can achieve the greatest heights. And if you dedicate yourself to something you love and enjoy, there’s no end to the achievement you can get.”

Tiafoe is scheduled to face Andrey Rublev of Russia in the quarterfinals Wednesday; the men’s singles final is scheduled for next Sun. Sept. 11.

This story was corrected to reflect that Tiafoe did not attend DeMatha Catholic High School or Salisbury University. It has also been updated to reflect that Tiafoe advanced to the US Open semifinals.