Frances Tiafoe 'more pumped' to see Kevin Hart than 'legend' Roger Federer during US Open quarter-final win

Frances Tiafoe was in great spirits after he reached the US Open semi-finals after victory over Grigor Dimitrov, which saw the Bulgarian retire in the fourth set. The No. 20 seed will face fellow American Taylor Fritz for a place in the final. Tiafoe claimed victory in front of five-time US Open champion Roger Federer but said he was "more pumped" to see comedian Kevin Hart in the stands.

Federer or Kevin Hart? Tiafoe reveals his choice while Dimitrov laments more injury woes

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Frances Tiafoe has acknowledged that he was "more pumped" to see comedian and Hollywood star Kevin Hart rather than "icon" Roger Federer in the stands to witness his progression into the US Open semi-finals.

The No. 20 seed was victorious following an epic match against Grigor Dimitrov where the Bulgarian was forced to retire injured with the scores at 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 4-1.

Tiafoe will face compatriot Taylor Fritz in the last four, which means there will be an American in the men's US Open final for the first time in 18 years.

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Andy Roddick was the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title back in 2003 but he came up short against Federer in the 2006 final.

The Swiss legend was in attendance to watch the US Open quarter-finals - which inspired Aryna Sabalenka to victory in her match - but Tiafoe joked that he was more excited to see Hollywood royalty in the stands.

"Yeah, I mean, that was pretty sick [to see Federer]," Tiafoe said in his post-match press conference.

"Obviously, I wasn't thinking about it that much. More pumped about Kevin Hart instead of Roger, honestly. You know, the last couple years of Laver Cup you kind of get used to that, seeing him in the stands.

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"But, yeah, like when they show him, like, this dude was different, man, winning five years in a row. You know, the way he looked in the suites is the same way he looked when he was playing. No sweat. You know, tees ironed perfect. What's up with this dude, man? Hair perfect.

"It was just funny, man. I give him c*** about that all the time. What a guy. What a legend. So nice he's enjoying his life, doing his thing, just popping in wherever he kind of wants to, and everyone embraces him. Unbelievable, wherever he goes. I mean, he's such an icon.

"Ultimately it was pretty dope. But seeing Kevin Hart was sick, honestly."

The five-time US Open champion also watched Aryna Sabalenka book her place in the women's semi-finals and she later admitted that she was inspired to play her "best tennis" with Federer watching on.

Fritz progressed to the semi-final stage following an impressive display against Alexander Zverev to win 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3).

Tiafoe has only come away victorious once in their previous seven meetings but he is confident about being on the right end of the result as they prepare to play against each other for the first time at the US Open.

"It's different on [Arthur] Ashe [Stadium]," he explained. "It's different. Obviously you have to learn from those. A couple of those I thought I actually should have won. He [Fritz] is tough, man. He's a tough player.

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"He plays great from both sides, has a great serve, he's moving much better now. It's going to be tough. It's going to be a big one for both of us, playing for a final. I don't think those matches are anywhere near what this match would be, so it's kind of tough to even go from there.

"Playing quarters of Acapulco 500 and playing semis at Arthur Ashe at night - well, hopefully at night -- it's a little different. It's a little different. You know, I mean, it's going to be interesting. We' ll see what happens."

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