Frances Tiafoe is back on the stage that defined his career.

The stage – the quarterfinals of the US Open – where Tiafoe (No. 20) was eliminated in a thrilling battle last year by fellow countryman Ben Shelton, on whom he took revenge in the third round this year.

A stage where Tiafoe emerged from nowhere and became one of the biggest fan favorites in the sport after beating the legendary Rafael Nadal in 2022.

A stage that could set the tone for the next chapter in his career.

To secure his return to the US Open quarterfinals, the 27-year-old Tiafoe had to forfeit one of the biggest wildcards at this year’s tournament.

He defeated Australian Alexei Popyrin, who had defeated No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the third round and is now ranked No. 28 in the world, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6, 6-3 in the fourth round on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Tiafoe now plays against No. 9 Grigor Dimitrov.

Popyrin was on the verge of winning the second set and leveling the score, but saw a 5-2 lead evaporate to 5-5 and then a 6-5 lead turn into a tiebreak, with Tiafoe winning the tiebreak and the set.

In the ninth game, Tiafoe came back from 0-40 and broke Popyrin.

“I win a point, win another point, I was like ‘ooh,'” Tiafoe said. “He gave me one, and I was like ‘don’t let me get two,’ then I was like ‘don’t let me get three,’ then I was like ‘I might as well break now.’ I got pretty lucky there, honestly. Without (the fans), it wouldn’t have happened.”

After losing the third set, Tiafoe overpowered Popyrin – breaking him in the sixth game – to win the fourth set and secure the victory.