“I never played a guy who moves as well as him” – Tiafoe praises Alcaraz after defeat

Frances Tiafoe has high praise for teenager Carlos Alcaraz after falling to the Spaniard in a thrilling US Open semi-final.

Carlos Alcaraz, US Open 2022 | © Antoine Couvercelle / Panoraùic

Chris Oddo

September 10, 2022

Frances Tiafoe got an up close and personal look at the blazing speed and fierce footwork of 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz during Friday’s US Open semi-final.

The American came away mightily impressed.

“For him to be so young, being so poised in big moments, I take my hat off and I got a lot of respect for him.”
— Frances Tiafoe on Carlos Alcaraz

“I never played a guy who moves as well as him”

“He’s one of the best players in the world, for sure,” Tiafoe told reporters. “He’s so young. He hits the ball so hard. I never played a guy who moves as well as him, honestly. I’ve seen him get a lot of balls, but I was hitting some drop volleys that I’ve been hitting. He’s getting there. How he’s able to extend points, incredible.”

Tennis Majors

The American, who defeated Alcaraz in their first career meeting at Barcelona in 2021, knows that he’ll have to find ways to get past the Spaniard if he plans to be in the hunt for Grand Slam titles in the future.

“He’s a hell of a player. He’s going to be a problem for a very long time,” he said.

Going five sets with Alcaraz, who will face Casper Ruud for the US Open title on Sunday, has Tiafoe believing in his own level.

“I still had my looks,” the American said. “I still had my chances, so… It shows where I’m at. But, you know, for him to be so young, being so poised in big moments, I take my hat off and I got a lot of respect for him.”