By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday August 28, 2024
Ahead of his third-round clash with Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe opens up on how last year's loss in New York affected him.
Photo Source: Getty
By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday August 28, 2024
New York— Now that the table is set for a mouthwatering third-round matchup with Ben Shelton at the US Open, Frances Tiafoe hopes he can erase some of the bad memories from their last clash.
Tiafoe, who fell to Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-2 in the quarterfinals last year, and again in the Houston final this April, says the loss took a toll on his psyche last year. He was bidding for back-to-back semifinals in New York, but the stage was stolen by Shelton.
“I wanted to get back-to-back semis,” he admitted today after his win over Alexander Shevchenko. “I wanted to do well. Obviously, attention shifts. That wasn't easy. That wasn't something I was pleased about by any means. Then I had a bad season after that to follow it.”
Make no mistake about it, regardless of who won, last year's quarterfinal between the pair was a milestone moment for American tennis. For the first time in Open Era history, two African American men squared off in a Grand Slam quarterfinal.
"It's great with two people of color going at it," said after the loss. "Obviously a historic moment. But ultimately once you get out there you just want to win."
It’s no secret that Tiafoe struggled in the first half of 2024. He parted ways with longtime coach Wayne Ferriera, and seemed to have trouble playing at his highest level. But this summer he has come to life, reaching his maiden Masters 1000 title just two weeks ago in Cincinnati.
He chalks up last year’s loss to Shelton as a learning experience.
“Again, stuff you definitely learn from,” he said. “All the highs and lows, only sets you up for better moments ahead. I'm super excited for the match, and any opportunity to do it again.”
Tiafoe and Shelton are good friends, and the American has a lot of respect for Shelton’s game and how well he has made his impact felt on tour at the age of 21.
This year it will be Shelton who is bidding for back-to-back semis. The former NCAA champion hammered past Roberto Bautista out on the Grandstand on Wednesday.
“I definitely want to play against him,” Tiafoe said. “He's very much like me in how excited and how energetic he is on the court, and has such a big game and big shots and serves big and gets the crowd going.
“He's 21 years old. He's young, funny, cracks jokes. Just about as immature as I am. We always have fun joking around and cracking jokes, for sure.”
"And that serve, which topped out at 141 on Wednesday in Flushing Meadows? “He's got one of the better serves on the tour, no question,” Tiafoe said. “Especially a lefty, he hits all the spots, changes pace quite well. It's going to be tough but I'm super excited.”