Felix Auger-Aliassime overcame Alex de Minaur in a four-set battle lasting over four hours on Wednesday to reach his second US Open semi-final.
The 25-year-old Canadian is back in the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2021 US Open after beating eighth seed De Minaur 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/4). He saved a set point in the second set and came back from 2-5 down in the fourth.
“Some days you won’t feel your best but I was willing to dig really deep and do everything I can,” said Auger-Aliassime.
“It feels amazing. Four years ago, it feels like more. It was a tough couple of years but it feels even better now to be in the semi-finals.”
Meanwhile, de Minaur struggled with his serving throughout the contest, hitting just 42 per cent of his first serves with 11 double faults. He also produced 43 unforced errors.
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Auger-Aliassime, the 25th seed, on Friday plays the winner of the all-Italian quarter-final between reigning champion Jannik Sinner and 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
“The biggest challenges are yet to come, but that’s what I live for, that’s what I train for,” he said.
Australia’s De Minaur, 26, has now lost all six of his Grand Slam quarter-finals. His dream of reaching a maiden major semi-final will have to wait until 2026.
Auger-Aliassime earned his second win over a top-10 player at this tournament, having knocked out third seed Alexander Zverev in the last 32.