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Tiafoe and Sabalenka praise Federer’s visit to the US Open
The five-time champion attended Tiafoe and Sabalenka’s matches
September 04, 2024
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
Although Frances Tiafoe and Aryna Sabalenka had important goals on the court on Tuesday night, both admitted to being aware of the presence of Roger Federer, who came to enjoy the evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer, who won five consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows between 2004 and 2008, took a seat in one of the stadium’s boxes, even chatting with former semi-finalist Tim Henman and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The Swiss legend first followed Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-2 victory over Zheng Qinwen in the women’s quarter-finals, then assisted American Tiafoe’s 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1 victory over Grigor Dimitrov to advance to the men’s semi-final after the Bulgarian’s injury withdrawal.
Tiafoe praised the feeling of having the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the crowd. “It was amazing. Obviously, I wasn’t thinking about it too much during the match. The last two years at the Laver Cup I got used to seeing him in the stands.”
The PIF ATP Live Rankings No. 16 also joked about Federer’s elegance. “In a suit he has the same style he had in the game. He doesn’t sweat. He comes dressed to the nines. How do you do that? His hair is perfect.”
“What a guy. He’s a legend. It’s nice to see him enjoying life, appearing wherever he wants and everyone adores him. It’s incredible what he generates wherever he goes. He’s a true icon.”
Sabalenka, meanwhile, explained the effect of Federer’s presence on her game. “I’ve seen him there, I’ve seen him on the big screen. I was sure he came to watch Tiafoe and Dimitrov. Still, I thought ‘ok, I have to play my best tennis so he can enjoy it.”
“I had to show my skills, come to the net and stuff.”
Source: https://www.atptour.com/es/news/federer-arthur-ashe-appearance-us-open-2024-wednesday
