Tiafoe following Cincinnati final loss to Sinner: “I couldn’t be happier”

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Lorenzo Musetti, Jiri Lehecka, Hubert Hurkacz and Holger Rune. Those were the victims during Frances Tiafoe’s journey at the Western & Southern Open last week before losing the final against Jannik Sinner 7-6 (4), 6-2 on Monday night. It was just about a perfect sequence for the American less than a week before starting the US Open — where he will defend quarter-final points.

This 2024 season has nevertheless been mostly a disappointment for the 26-year-old, who has not won a single title nor reached a second week at a Grand Slam. Following the Cincinnati final, Tiafoe acknowledged his drop in form — which has occurred in the aftermath of a quarter-final run at the 2023 US Open.

“I’m incredibly happy with the effort I put in all week,” the world No 20 reflected. “Tennis is a funny sport. It’s been a very tough year. Since the US Open ended, since I reached the quarter-finals last year, I struggled to play matches. I took the game for granted’ I didn’t have much gratitude. I changed coaches, I tried to understand myself. I’m in a very good place now and I couldn’t be happier than to reach the final of a Masters 1000, to have a chance to win it.”

He also spoke about the one victory that especially gave him a confidence boost and helped pave the way to his return to the top 20.

“What stood out the most for me was beating Musetti, who had an incredible season, and then beating Lehecka and Rune in tough matches.”

“It sucks to be out of the top 20. I’ve been in the top 20 for two years now. So, yeah, it’s a good sign that I’m back. Now I can keep moving forward, pushing and trying to get back to where I need to be — at the top of the game. I think I’m one of the best players in the world, but I haven’t played like one for a good part of a year.”

The next step is the US Open, where he will be a formidable opponent for anyone. Tiafoe will be seeded No 20 if there are no withdrawals by anyone ranked ahead of him prior to the tournament.

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