Frances Tiafoe aims to build some momentum after reaching the Houston Open quarter-finals.
The 27-year-old has struggled for form this season, having won just six matches since commencing his campaign at January’s Australian Open.
Tiafoe usually saves his best tennis for when he plays at home on American soil, but he managed just two victories over Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open.
Now in Houston, where Tiafoe made the final in 2024, the American aims to go one better this season.
What did Frances Tiafoe say after winning his opening match at the Houston Open?
Frances Tiafoe arrived in Houston following a tight three-set defeat to Arthur Fils in Miami.
He took on Australia’s Adam Walton in the opening round, and recorded a 7-5, 6-3 victory in one hour and 30 minutes.
He struck 35 winners and lost just four points behind his first serve during an encouraging performance from the World number 17.
“I felt like I really played every single point, I felt super dialled in. I was in the zone, so to speak,” Tiafoe said post-match.
“I don’t think I played my best tennis, but I thought it was a good match overall. Good first match, especially on clay. Just happy to get through. Every win right now is big for me.”
Frances Tiafoe part of American history at the Houston Open
Tiafoe has reached the Houston Open quarter-fnals and he made history with those who joined him in the last eight.
Tiafoe is one of eight American men to reach the quarter-finals in Houston. This is the first time all Americans have made it to the quarter-finals of any event since Orlando in 1991.
Along with Tiafoe, top seed Tommy Paul, Colton Smith, Jenson Brooksby, Aleksandar Kovacevic, Brandon Nakashima, Chris Eubanks and Tiafoe’s next opponent, Alex Michelsen.
With 2024 champion Ben Shelton not competing this year, there is an opportunity for a difficult champion to be crowned in Houston.
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