US teenager Tiafoe almost shocks Federer

19-year-old American Frances Tiafoe almost shocked the tennis world Tuesday night, taking the greatest of all time, Roger Federer, to five sets in the first round of the US Open before falling.

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He surely got the attention of the casual fan with his performance. While Tiafoe has long been known in hardcore tennis circles as a prospect on the rise, Tuesday night was his real coming out party. He's got all the thunderous power required of the modern player and a blinding and distinctly snapping forehand that gave Federer fits for most of the night.

What you maybe didn't know is that Tiafoe appeared here in the Triangle last year, playing in the Atlantic Tire Championships in Cary.

I spoke with Tiafoe then about his storybook background and hopeful rise to the top of the game:

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Competing with the very best will continue to open eyes, and the next step for Tiafoe is winning those matches.

That's something I imagine starts happening sooner than later.