Defending champion Tiafoe sets all-American final in Houston
Frances Tiafoe won against Luciano Darderi 6-2, 7-6 (2) on Saturday night and will face American Ben Shelton, the top seed, in the final
Frances Tiafoe (Aflo/Panoramic)
American Frances Tiafoe, the No 3 seed, beat Italian Luciano Darderi 6-2, 7-6 (2) to reach the final of the Houston Open at River Oaks Country Club on Saturday night.
Tiafoe, ranked No 21, will face American Ben Shelton, the top seed, in what will be his eighth ATP Tour-level final.
The pair last met in the US Open quarter-finals, with Shelton winning in four sets to make his first Grand slam semi-final.
The American edged out Australian James Duckworth (6-2, 6-7 (4), 7-5) and won against Australian Jordan Thompson, the No 6 seed (7-6 (8), 6-4) earlier in the tournament.
In the previous rounds of the Houston tournament, Darderi, ranked No 72, won against American wildcard Denis Kudla (3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2), Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, the second seed (6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4)) and American Marcos Giron, the No 7 seed (6-0, 6-4).
Houston ATP 250, other semi-final result (River Oaks Country Club, clay, USD 742.350):
- Ben Shelton beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry (4): 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4
People in this post
More tennis news
Players, prize money, dates, tickets: Everything you always wanted to know about the 2024 ATP Finals (but never had time to find out) – updated after Day 6
Ruud into semis at ATP Finals after win over Rublev
Raducanu, Boulter give Britain win over Germany in BJK Cup
Zverev hails Alcaraz’s ability in clutch moments: “He turns into a different person”
Alcaraz targets Davis Cup glory for a special reason: “I really want Rafa to retire with a title”
