He was also the last man from the country to capture a Slam title when he won the 2003 US Open. Tiafoe went into Friday's match trailing 6-1 in his head-to-head record against his compatriot.
The 2003 US Open champion had confidently predicted that Sabalenka would win the tournament, even forecasting a final showdown with Jessica Pegula. Just hours after his bold call, however ...