Frances Tiafoe heralds a new dawn for American men’s tennis
Frances Tiafoe has warned that the latest wave of American talents are poised to win big titles again.
As he attempts to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick’s victory at the 2003 US Open, Tiafoe remarked that “American tennis is in a great place.”
After overcoming fellow countryman Learner Tien and Austrian Sebastian Ofner, Tiafoe, the 10th-ranked player in the world, advanced to the third round of the US Open. Last year’s Flushing Meadows quarter-finalist Tiafoe easily defeated Ofner, dropping only five points on his first serve and saving the only break point he was made to face throughout the short 91-minute match.
Tiafoe was flawless from the baseline and looks good for another appearance in the second week of a Grand Slam.
“Me and Taylor [Fritz] are top 10,” Tiafoe said. “Tommy’s knocking on the door. We all grew up together. We know each other so well.
“American tennis is in a great place. Hopefully we all keep going and we end that streak of Roddick in 2003. Hopefully it happens here.”
Tiafoe is still trying to tighten up his game wherever he can.
“I thought I played really solid tonight. I thought I hit the ball really well from both sides,” Tiafoe said in his on-court interview. “I could have served a bit better tonight, but other than that, I didn’t have so many unforced errors. I put a lot of pressure on him. I hit my forehand great tonight and moved really well tonight. A win is a win and we are on to the next one.”
The American delighted the Arthur Ashe Stadium audience with effortless firepower from his forehand and numerous successful passing shots that left Ofner chasing ghosts.
Ofner’s serve was broken five times by Tiafoe, who ended the second-round match with 21 winners to his name.
He confessed his love for playing on the centre court stadium.
“I feel so comfortable on this court. I thought I did a great job breaking early in every set and not really giving him much belief,” Tiafoe said. “That helps a lot when you haven’t played somebody.
“I hope as I keep going, [the crowd] will start getting really into it and get behind me. I’m going to give everything I got. I’m really excited about this year.”
Tiafoe will face No 22 seed Adrian Mannarino in the third round of the US Open.
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