Frances Tiafoe defeats Martin Damm Jr. in five-set match at U.S. Open

Frances Tiafoe's U.S. Open run nearly ended against fellow American Martin Damm Jr. Tiafoe won the match after rallying from a two sets to one deficit, securing a 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. During his on-court interview, Tiafoe remarked, "Tennis is tennis, and obviously it’s fitting to have it here in New York. It was a crazy match. He had such a good serve. … In the last two sets, I just wanted to be tough. … I’ve won matches this year that I shouldn’t have." Tiafoe started strong, holding serve effectively in the first set, but faced challenges in the third set, where he double-faulted four times. Damm evened the match by winning the second set and took a 2-1 lead after a competitive third set. Tiafoe rallied in the final two sets, converting three out of nine break chances to secure the win. Tiafoe, who has not advanced past the semifinals at the U.S. Open, will next face Japan's Rei Sakamoto in Round 2.