New York – When Francis tiafo Went to court on Monday For your first round match At the US Open, he knew that this could be the last time he was played at Arthur Ash Stadium.
It was not Yoshihito NishiocaHis very few experienced rival, or rear injury, had plagued him in Cincinnati earlier this month, or even lacks confidence that felt him in this way. This is the one that moves through his head every time when he steps into the Arthur Ash Stadium at the world’s largest tennis stadium, named after the Trailblasing Black American, who paved the way to other people in Tiafo and the game.
Tiafo told ESPN earlier this month, “This is just Hans Bump, man,” Tiafo told ESPN earlier this month that it was like playing in court. “I get a lot of inspiration [Ashe] And I never want to take it. There is no guarantee in life. Obviously i [only] 27, but I think this could be the last time I am playing in this court; You just never know. And because of that, I want to enjoy it and I want to play at the highest level every time. ,
Tiafo, number 17 seed, did it on Monday. In front of a large afternoon crowd during a humid late summer day, Tiafo impressed with his trademark showmanship. Constant fans of partisan fans and concluded on mantras, and strong serving, he won 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-3 to proceed in the second round. He sealed the victory with an ace, gave a decisive head to the crowd as soon as he went to his 19th of day, and as soon as he went to the net.
Six matches still stand between Tiafo and his final goal – what he wants, because he first picked up a racket as a small child at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, Maryland, Maryland, Where his father worked in maintenanceBut it seems that he can be led to another deep New York run. In the tournament in 2022 and 2024, a semi -finalist, Tiafo has become an emotional leader and fan among American men, and who looks prepared as someone To snap 22 -year -old major drought Between the group.
But he does not try to get pressure during the house slam. He simply looks to hug it and lets it fuel.
“There is a different level of enthusiasm [here]”Tiafo told ESPN.” I just try to bring and compete my highest level. It is fun, man. When I look back at all this, I do not have to regret it. Whatever I do is with a smile on my face.
“And for now, the story continues.”
Tiafo achieved his major success at the Australian Open in 2019 when he reached his first quarter -finals, but was the US Open in 2022 when he turned into an emerging superstar in the game from an exciting young player.
Playing – and where? – Arthur Ash Stadium was an important task of facing Tiapho Rafael Nadal In the fourth round. Nadal won the first two slams of the year and wanted to make history as the first person to earn his 23rd big title. Tiafo, who had never taken a set against Nadal, knew that it would be a difficult fight. But he expressed confidence before the match.
And with 24,000 fans, Tiafo supported his words with one of the best matches of his career. 3 hours, 34 minutes needed, Tiafo had 18 aces, 49 winners and one electrification point (and festive) to win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
The match holds a revered place in his heart after three years.
“In addition to winning the tournament honestly, defeating Rafa on the Center Court is not going to be a better moment for me,” said Tiafo. “There is no more victory that will make me feel like this. It is the kind of thing you dream about, what is all this. He is one of the people I always saw, and it was just so special. He is a peak of the game in every game.”
And their matches in New York may not be to look at popcorn since then. A famous basketball fan, he has attracted Kevin Durant, Bradley Beel, Paiggy Beukers and Kevin Garnet into his matches, besides former first woman Michelle Obama and rapper Pusha Tea (who later named her in a song). Labron James and Joel Embid have posted their support on social media.
“I think he is the player on a tour with most clouts,” partner American and two -time chief champion Coco goff It was said earlier this month. “Every celebrity knows him, or he knows every celebrity, and he is mentioned in two rap songs, I think, he is very prestigious, but I think the energy is real and he loves the game even more, just to know his backstory and his history.”
On Monday, the crowd was rare when the match started – fans later needed a short break. Renta ZarazuaThrilling three-set win Madison Keys It was concluded that a few moments ago – but it continued to grow in size as the competition continued. And, no matter how many stands were in the stand, Tiafo appeared energetic after the “pure water” of Mustard and MiGos appeared energetic after being played at the beginning of the warmup.
As soon as the match became increasingly competitive in the second set, more fans climbed their seats. There were “Come on, frances, let’s go” Mantra and continuously “come, big enemies!” Through the cheers. Many people in the crowd gave him a permanent ovation after winning an important point after a long rally in the sixth game of the second set. He raised his hand in the festival and the crowd thundered even more.
And Tiafo appeared to feed fans and their energy during a difficult-to-set tiebreak. While talking to ESPN before the tournament, he was grateful to the constant fan support – and it was understood why he resonated so much with the crowd.
“I think everyone loves someone themselves, right?” Tiafo said. “I think people can feel the passion for me, and everyone wants to feel good and feel a part of something. I think when I am on a run, I think it’s just more than me; people want to be a part of that ride. Obviously, I give them a ton energy and they give them right back.
Tiafoe will play next Wednesday, partner will face American Martin damWhich came through merit and defeated Darwin blanch In straight sets on Monday.
With his humble original story, everyman personality and infectious energy, Tiafo is preferred among his peers as he is with fans. Amanda anisimovaWhich reached the final in Wimbledon in July, recently called “one of my favorite people on the tour”, while he remembers the messages that send him constantly. Taylor fritzTop -order American man who defeated Tiafo in the US Open in the last year’s semi -finals called him one of his best friends and praised his ability not to take himself very seriously.
“Francis is one in a way,” Fritz said on Sunday. “We have always got together well. The best way to describe our relationship, [and] Why do we meet so well [that] We can both laugh a lot on ourselves. So the nonstop with him, this is just making fun of each other at all times. ,
Playing in the mixed doubles incident of last week with Keys, his long -term Pal, Tiafo was seen hipping to his friends, including Fritz and Jessica pegulaEven after the loss of his first round, the player in front of his matches in the lobby. Talking to ESPN for this story in a crowd and busy hallway at Cincinnati Open, Tiafo stopped to tease ficklely Emma NavaroAnother 2024 US Open semi -finalist, who was signing the poster nearby. “Emma really doesn’t talk to me,” she said she left and jokingly turned her eyes. “He is very big.”
With high and three tour titles as number 10, Tiafo has become a dear person in the world’s tournament. Before this summer, he reached his first quarter -finals at the French Open and did not leave a set N route for the final eight. But despite his success and popularity, everything is prepared in his mind for late summer North American hard-court swing. Nothing matters to them as this part of the season, and the US Open is his super bow. “hands down, [it’s] The best event in the world, “he said before the match on Monday.
However, it is uncertain that which court will host Tiafoe match against Damm this week, he will definitely return to ASHE during the fortnight if he continues to win.
And he, according to him, gives him a lead that some other people can claim – and only will help him get closer to his childhood dream in front of a mob that would not want to see anything.
“This is the same goal as previous year, and every year, I want to win it,” Tiafo said. “I know in that court, I am dangerous. I can lose a lot of people a week [during the season]But while playing on Ash, I can beat anyone in the world. I really believe so. ,
