Frances Tiafoe ousted second-seeded Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-5 in round two of the Delray Beach Open on Thursday night, advancing to his second ATP quarterfinal in as many weeks. Tiafoe struck 17 aces and saved 14 of 16 break points to pick up the biggest victory over his career after two hours and 26 minutes.
The 20-year-old American had never previously reached a main-tour quarterfinal prior to last week’s festivities in New York, but he has now done just that one back-to-back occasions.
“It’s unbelievable, definitely,” Tiafoe commented. Two weeks in a row in the quarters. I really wanted that win to make a statement. I’ve had a ton of tough losses against top guys; just wanted to get over the line. This is just my second or third win (over a Top 10 opponent). I feel like this is going to be a good year for me. I feel like I’m playing well.”
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw3nl3mr4jg
Up next for the world No. 91 is a first-ever meeting with fellow up-and-comer Hyeon Chung, who was a semifinalist at the Australian Open. The 21-year-old South Korean has advanced this week by taking out lucky loser Cameron Norrie and qualifier Franko Skugor.
“We’re good friends,” Tiafoe said. “We’ve practiced together a ton, but we’ve never played a match. I’m really happy to play against him. He’s hot right now, coming off an unbelievable Australian Open. Tough conditions will even the playing field pretty good. If I can start well and hit my forehand good, I’ll have a good chance.”
Friday’s other bottom-half quarterfinal is also an all-NextGen showdown, featuring Denis Shapovalov and Taylor Fritz.
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fun quarterfinals
as always, thanks for your insight, Ricky. I might be wrong, but as far as I know, there is nobody else who follows the tour and writes about it as well as you.
haha thank you. there are definitely people who write about it better, but maybe not any who follow it as well!
Tignor is good but they are few and far between.
Hi Tango, I like Tignor too. But Ricky is so consistent and gets straight to the point and it’s like he knows all about all the players. I wonder how Ricky finances this deal?
Tiafoe beat Shapovalov but many, like this blog, tout Shapovalov as the next big thing. .. http://www.138mph.com/tennis-dennis-shapovalov-loses-to-frances-tiafoe-but-is-still-our-pick-for-the-most-talented-and-promising-youngster/