“I’m Top 10 in the word, I played like I didn’t have an ATP point” – Frances Tiafoe vows to bounce back after dismal Wimbledon defeat

Expectations have been high for Frances Tiafoe ever since he broke out in a big way at the 2022 US Open, reaching his first career Grand Slam semi-final. They got higher this year, when Tiafoe claimed the Stuttgart title in style, and made his long awaited top 10 debut.

But the hopes came tumbling this week at Wimbledon, where Tiafoe was rudely dispatched by former semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in a match that started on Saturday and was completed early Sunday.

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Tiafoe, seeded tenth at the All England Club, was ticketed by many for a deep run on the grass. His explosive game, deft touch and booming serve just scream deep Wimbledon run. His appeared to be in good form through two rounds, but fell off the cliff and turned in what he called a performance that he called “horrendous” and “a disaster.”

“I played like I didn’t have an ATP point”

After falling behind by two sets on Saturday, rain gave Tiafoe a short-term reprieve. Could he turn the tables when the pair returned to the court on Sunday?

No.

He only managed one more game, as Dimitrov sauntered off with the 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 win.

“He used the slice and slowed me down,” Tiafoe said. “This is a bad day. I couldn’t play really. It was a terrible job on my game. I really don’t know why honestly.

“I’m Top 10 in the word, I played like I didn’t have an ATP point. It hurts man, I don’t really know what to add.”

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It was a tough tournament for many of the 13 American men that participated in the main draw. Ninth-seeded Taylor Fritz was boxed out in the third round, blowing a two-set lead to Mikael Ymer. 16th-seeded Tommy Paul lost to Jiri Lehecka in the third round in five sets.

Chris Eubanks, unseeded, is the only American man into the round of 16.

Tiafoe’s failure to reach the second week is a reminder that for most players (especially those not named Alcaraz), there isn’t a straight line to the top. Tiafoe’s highs are bound to come with a few lows.

“I had a great season so far,” the 25-year-old said. “In the Slams I had a second week look so it’s sad. I played horrendous today, a disaster today.”

“I’m already winning in life”

As the saying goes, the pressure is a privilege, and Tiafoe is happy to have some weight on his shoulders now that he is a top 10 player.

It doesn’t bother him that he’s expected to do big things these days. Bring it on, says the American.

“Bro, I’m already winning in life,” he said. “It doesn’t really matter. I want to win a Grand Slam for me. Not for you, not for the media. It’s just a bad performance today.

“Not much to say, I’m pretty down. Tough to understand. I have to deal with that. In tennis you got to have short memories, I’ve got to continue and see how I can bounce back.”

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