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Frances Tiafoe reveals how he’s feeling mentally after being dominated by Jannik Sinner in Miami

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
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Frances Tiafoe’s campaign at the 2026 Miami Open came to an abrupt end in the quarterfinals when he met Jannik Sinner. 

The Italian, in pursuit of becoming the eighth man in history to complete the Sunshine Double, dominated the American to advance at the ATP Masters 1000 event. 

Sinner beat Tiafoe in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, wrapping up the clash in one hour and 10 minutes.

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Tiafoe picked up four wins at the Miami Open, beating Arthur Cazaux, last year’s champion Jakub Mensik and Terence Atmane.

The 28-year-old simply had no answer for Sinner, but remained positive after the heavy defeat.

Jannik Sinner celebrates after winning in Miami.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Frances Tiafoe speaks after losing to Jannik Sinner in Miami

Speaking in his press conference after the match, Tiafoe said: “All season’s been good. A really, really good start for me so far. Obviously, you’ve just got to be a bit better in these matches.

“I played some Top 5 guys, Top 10 guys and haven’t played, ultimately, my best, but I’m really happy with what I’ve been doing.

“I have Houston next. I’m pretty excited to get out there and play on clay and be able to push guys and compete. It’s going to be fun.

Do you think Frances Tiafoe is good enough to win a Grand Slam if he fully commits?

Frances Tiafoe reacts during his first-round defeat at the 2025 Japan Open
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

“Normally, I’m like, ‘It’s going to be an uphill battle’, but now I feel great. I feel great physically. I have a great mental headspace.

“I won a lot of matches. I pulled out some crazy matches. I think the North American swing was great for me from Mexico to here.”

Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe pose at the net
Photo by Michele Eve Sandberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Frances Tiafoe’s points to defend in Houston

Following his defeat in Miami, Tiafoe will now travel to Texas to get his clay season underway at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.

Tiafoe, who won the tournament in 2023, has finished as the runner-up two years in a row, having suffered near-misses in 2024 and 2025.

After being bested in 2024 by Ben Shelton, last year, Tiafoe lost in the final to Jenson Brooksby.

His 2025 campaign in Houston saw him secure 165 ATP points, which he will now look to defend in April.

Tiafoe enjoyed his best finish at Roland Garros last season by making the quarterfinals, having recorded several years’ worth of early exits at the clay-court Grand Slam.