The ITF's Katrina Adams stays on the front lines for women with the Tory Burch Foundation Sports Fellowship

On Monday, after his inspiring fortnight at the US Open, Frances Tiafoe appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his run. The 24-year-old became the first African-American man since Arthur Ashe in 1972 to reach the semifinals of the New York major.

"It's truly a blessing. All the work that my parents did over the years and having them see that and be a part of that is crazy,” he told Robin Roberts.

“And to be in the same sentence as Arthur Ashe in anything is unbelievable and something no one can ever take from me. So I'm going to remember that forever.”

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“To be in the same sentence as Arthur Ashe, in anything, is unbelievable and something that no one can every take from me so I’m going to remember that forever.” — @FTiafoe https://t.co/kWY5S6eOU4 pic.twitter.com/rFqwjED4TD
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 12, 2022

Tiafoe was ultimately edged out by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in an exhilarating five-setter. During that battle, he noticed a special person cheering him on from the President’s Box, providing an additional source of motivation to fight until the bitter end.

“Probably the best thing [was] seeing the first lady, Michelle Obama, after the match,” he declared.

“I was on the one changeover and I looked and she looked at me. And then, when they announced her and seeing the crowd erupt, that was pretty impactful.”

Tiafoe also became the only player to defeat Rafael Nadal in a major match this season when he ousted the 22-time major champion in the round of 16. The Hyattsville, Md. native cracked the Top 20 Monday for the first time as a result of his efforts in Queens.

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"It's truly a blessing": Frances Tiafoe talks inspiring US Open run on Good Morning America

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