Frances Tiafoe has reflected on enjoying tennis again after reaching the fourth round of the US Open.
The American won a classic five set contest with compatriot Ben Shelton as he came from two sets to one down.
It was a landmark win for Tiafoe as he avenged last year’s defeat to Shelton to reach the last 16.
After the match the 20th seed admitted he was happy with his performance as he is into the second week of his home slam, “Yeah, great performance, man. Great battle ultimately, all in all. I think, yeah, I think I returned exceptional today,” Tiafoe started his press conference by saying.
“I thought I made a lot of returns, made him play a lot. I think that’s something I have really improved on since I’ve hired David Witt, focusing a lot on that. That paid a lot of dividends.
“I wished I served better throughout the match but I served really well at the end, and that’s kind of what counts. That’s probably the only thing I could critique. Ben’s an incredible player, man, and he comes up with the goods a lot. It was definitely a tough match.
“But I think, I’m not just saying this because we just spoke in the locker room, but I think the level was a lot higher this year than we played last year throughout the five sets. Ultimately a great performance, something I’m really happy about.”
One thing Tiafoe mentioned about his recent improvements was his return as he has hired Jessica Pegula’s former coach, David Witt, to help with his progress in this area.
The American elaborated on what specifically has seen his returning improve as that area of his game was evident last week when he reached the Cincinnati final, “I think returning has been a thing I’ve been, since I started with David, something that he’s really been focusing on, for sure,” Tiafoe stated.
“You know, before we started he was, like, look, you play your return games way too relaxed. We need to adjust that. I’m returning much better, making returns, I’m making guys play.
“It’s funny, you feel suffocated after a while knowing you’re going to play each and every point. You saw a little bit at the end, he was getting a little frustrated, going for broke, not wanting to stay in points. Yeah, I mean, that’s something I really focused on today, for sure. You know, make him play.
“Obviously he’s going to hit some rockets that you’re just not going to be able to touch. If it’s on my racquet, let’s make it and let’s put on the running shoes and let’s play.”
Tiafoe’s work rate has been a key feature of his game and that starts from the American’s rejuvenated motivation and passion for the sport.
After a tough season, Tiafoe is finally to get his enjoyment back for the sport as the American is into the second week at the US Open yet again.
After his win over Shelton, Tiafoe reflected on getting his enjoyment back for the sport, “It’s just I just got the joy again, bro. I just love — you start looking outwards and being like, man, I’m blessed to do what I do,” Tiafoe explained.
“You know, like playing on Centre Court, Wimbledon, I really think if I lost first round Wimbledon when I was down two sets to love, I probably wouldn’t even be in this position. Playing Wimbledon, getting a standing O, I’d never been on Centre Court, never sat on Centre Court, nothing. So when I walked out there, epic with him, and I was, man, people love to see what I do.
“And the game is in a better place when I’m playing really well. Yeah, people, like kids and people really love to see what I do. Obviously when you’re losing as much as I did, playing on the side courts and not really having fanfare and things like that. So that joy came again. I wanted to practice. I wanted to be me. I was ready to play.
“Obviously I put myself in a hot seat making that clown comment. So you have to back yourself a little bit when you make comments like that. It’s been a fun ride, and obviously once I get to the States I love to play, I love to be in the States, I love competing in the States.”
Tiafoe will aim to continue his enjoyment for the sport when he takes on Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round on Sunday.
It will be the first meeting between the two players with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
