Frances Tiafoe joked about how well Novak Djokovic is playing despite being in the latter stages of his career.
Now aged 37, he is still adding to legacy as he won the Olympic gold medal in Paris at the fifth time of asking.
Djokovic is now at the US Open preparing for a chance to win a record 25th Grand Slam and fifth title at Flushing Meadows.
Despite Djokovic becoming Olympic champion, 2024 has not been an ideal season by his lofty standards, but he is still one of the favourites to win every tournament he competes in.
What did Frances Tiafoe say about Novak Djokovic ahead of the US Open?
Frances Tiafoe has arrived at the US Open going in search of his first Grand Slam title.
The American is hoping to build on his run to the quarter-finals in 2023 and Tiafoe is feeling confident after reaching Monday’s Cincinnati Open final.
In his first press conference at Flushing Meadows this year, Tiafoe commented on Djokovic winning the Olympic gold medal and marvelled at how he is still playing at such a high level.
“I know how bad he wanted that one for sure. It was an incredible effort. You have got to tip your hat off to him,” the World number 20 said.
“I mean, stats wise I think he has been the greatest player of all time for a while now and now he’s just cemented it. Crazy.
“He’s like 45 and he’s still winning every tournament, it’s really good to see what he’s doing! Tremendous effort, I know that meant a lot to him and the country, so congratulations to him.”
Has Frances Tiafoe beaten Novak Djokovic?
Tiafoe has played against Djokovic on two occasions, and has yet to taste victory.
Their first meeting came in the second round of the 2021 Australian Open. Tiafoe competed hard but ultimately succumbed to a 6-3 6-7(3) 7-6(2) 6-3 defeat.
Their next contest came at the Laver Cup the following year, the event which marked the retirement of Roger Federer.
This contest was more one-sided as Djokovic completed a 6-1, 6-3 win over the American to secure some valuable points for Team Europe.
But by the end of the weekend it was Team World who secured a 13-8 win to win the Laver Cup for the first time.
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