US Open 2024: Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (20) Frances Tiafoe vs (28) Alexei Popyrin
Date: Sunday, September 1, 2024
Tournament: US Open 2024
Round: Fourth Round (Round of 16)
Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, U.S.A.
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard
Prize Money: $75,000,000
Live Telecast: USA - ESPN | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS | India - Sony Network
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin preview
20th seed and Frances Tiafoe will lock horns with 28th seed Alexei Popyrin in a tantalizing fourth-round clash at the 2024 US Open on Sunday, August 31. The pair will kick off the night session on Arthur Ashe at 7:00 p.m. local time.
Tiafoe began his US Open campaign with a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 victory over compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round. In stark contrast, he spent just 96 minutes on the court in the second round after his opponent Alexander Shevchenko was forced to retire while trailing 6-4, 6-1, 1-0.
Tiafoe faced 13th seed Ben Shelton in a blockbuster All-American battle in the third round. The match lived up to expectations, with Tiafoe overcoming a 1-2 set deficit against Shelton to go on and script a dramatic 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3 comeback victory in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Popyrin, on the other hand, began his New York campaign with a commanding 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Korea's Kwon Soon-woo in the opening round. He then dismantled Pedro Martinez in the second round, dropping just six games in a decisive 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win.
In the third round against defending champion Novak Djokovic, Popyrin played spectacularly from the start, winning the first two sets. The Serb managed to mount a comeback in the third set, forcing the match into a fourth.
Popyrin quickly recovered from the setback, breaking serve twice with some impressive ball-striking. Although he failed to close out the match on his first attempt, he succeeded on his second try, securing a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory in what is the biggest win of his career so far.
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin head-to-head
Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin are yet to face off on tour and so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrin odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Frances Tiafoe vs Alexei Popyrine prediction
Frances Tiafoe has perhaps found his best form this season at the US Open and only looks to be getting better with each match. His serve is returning to its top form, as evidenced by his performance against Shelton, where he won 76% of points on his first serve.
His net play has also been strong throughout the tournament, winning 73% of points at the net in his last match. Additionally, Tiafoe has been aggressive with his shot-making, hitting 44 winners compared to just 27 unforced errors in his previous encounter.
Alexei Popyrin, meanwhile, has carried forward his strong form from the American hardcourt swing into New York. He breezed through his first two matches, dominating his opponents with his pace and exceptional baseline game. In the previous round, he played some of the best tennis of his career, defeating Novak Djokovic in nearly every aspect of the game.
Like Tiafoe, Popyrin won an impressive 74% of points on his first serve and recorded 15 aces. He also hit 50 winners out of 130 points won. Additionally, he was effective at the net, winning 69% of points when coming forward in his last match.
Fans can expect plenty of action and drama, given the incredible momentum both players are carrying from their significant victories in their previous matches. This match promises to be an absorbing, hard-hitting baseline battle, with both players not afraid to come to the net when the opportunity arises.
Tiafoe is likely to emerge victorious, thanks to his superior experience on the biggest stages, particularly on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The enthusiastic home support will also boost his confidence.
Pick: Tiafoe in five sets.