Tiafoe: "The margins are very small, the depth of tennis is incredible"
The American player, ranked number 20 in the world, analyzes the current level of the circuit: "If you're not paying attention, you can lose".
Frances Tiafoe has regained that love for tennis, a passion that was somewhat diminishing after the American found himself in a negative streak. Now at the US Open 2024, where he has secured big victories, the world number 20 is dreaming big again. Frances speaks at a press conference about the match schedule with Ben Shelton, the current level of tennis on the tour, and how he has rekindled his feelings for this sport.
Regarding the match schedule
"It's a bit contradictory, I was sure it would be a night match. The reality is we weren't playing at night, and honestly, it didn't matter to me. I just wanted to win, I didn't care about anything else. At the same time, of course, I wanted the night slot, but last year I lost at that time, so... You also think about all these things, even if you don't say them out loud. It would have been cool if it were at night, but it was also epic during the day. I think everyone enjoyed it."
The depth of current tennis
"The margins are very small. The depth of the game right now is incredible, with many players performing very well. If you're not focused, you can lose. We already saw what happened to Carlos last night, if you're not focused, you lose. Nobody is significantly better than another. If you're not on point, you can lose. It was definitely tough. Your ego gets hurt. You don't want to play, your practices are bad. You get stuck in that loop. It's all part of the process."
His love for the sport has returned
"I have regained the joy. I start looking around and realize how lucky I am to do what I do. Playing at Wimbledon, receiving an ovation, I had never been on Center Court, I had never sat on Center Court. Tennis is in a better place when I'm playing really well. I wanted to train, I wanted to be myself. I was ready to play. Obviously, I got myself into trouble with that clown comment. You have to backpedal a bit when you make comments like that. It has been a fun journey."
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Tiafoe: "Los márgenes son muy pequeños, la profundidad del tenis es increíble"