Recalling his loss against Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open quarterfinals of 2022, Frances Tiafoe expressed his sadness at not being able to win as the local tennis star in front of celebrities like Michelle Obama and Denzel Washington.
Since Andy Roddick lost to Roger Federer in the 2006 final, the former world No. 10 was the great local hope and was creating history by making it to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows.
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz ended Tiafoe’s hopes of winning the Grand Slam and ending the American skid in five sets by scores of 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7(5), and 6-3. After that, the Spaniard overcame Casper Ruud in the championship match to win his maiden Grand Slam and take the top spot in the global rankings for the first time in his career.
In a recent episode of the Trouble with Nick Kyrgios podcast, Tiafoe talked about his difficult loss with the Australian celebrity, saying, “It doesn’t even really hurt.” It seemed like such a perfect fit because it was so iconic. I thought to myself, “Dude, this is what I’m going to have to go through.” “This guy is going to be a problem for a long time,’ I was even thinking about it during the match,” Tiafoe remarked.
“Just fighting, with all the important people present. When you look up, just before the biggest match of your life begins, you see Michelle Obama seated in the first row. similar to removing her from the house,” Tiafoe continued.
“Everyone I look up to is there, including Denzel Washington. I suppose that was just crazy for the nation. I’ve never been in a setting like that; it was out of control,” he continued.
I’m giving it my all and abusing the fans, saying, “Give me f**king everything,” while competing against a guy who is giving it everything. Even though I had to accept the loss at the end, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Former world No. 10 said, “It felt like the crowd was literally at my fingertips, something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
I imagine myself one set away from the US Open championship when I think about the fifth set. I was thinking about its highlights. As I stroll around the court, I can’t help but imagine what it would have been like to simply go grab the trophy—or at the very least, have the opportunity to play for it.”
“I always think about it; sometimes, even when I see Alcaraz, all I want to do is punch him out.” It’s one of those that hurt, but obviously he’s the nicest guy in the world, so no worries,” he said.
