PARIS — At the onset of the French Open, Frances Tiafoe wasn’t too cheery about his prospects on the clay courts of Roland-Garros. He expressed his anticipation more for the upcoming grass and hard court seasons, hinting that’s where he believes the essence of tennis truly lies.
However, with a change in fortune and perhaps perception, Tiafoe has claimed his spot in the quarterfinals of the French Open for the first time. On Sunday night, the 15th seed defeated Germany’s Daniel Altmaier in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4). This victory positions Tiafoe alongside Tommy Paul, the 12th seed, ensuring that two American men have made it to the quarterfinals. The last time the U.S. saw more than one man in such a stage at this tournament was in 1996 with legends Jim Courier and Pete Sampras, and by extension, Andre Agassi in 2003.
Tiafoe attributes his newfound success to adopting a hard-court style of play on the slower, more challenging clay surface. Despite historically struggling with the clay, his relentless dedication this time has shown no signs of missteps, as he’s cruised to this round without conceding a single set.
Reflecting on his journey, Tiafoe noted his prior setbacks on clay due to a more passive style, which contrasted sharply with his aggressive performances on faster surfaces like hard courts. Yet, there’s been a marked progression in his game. With a smile on his face and a touch of humor, he once mentioned to journalists that, “Things can turn around quickly,” underscoring his confidence and determination to excel no matter the pressure.
At 27, the Maryland native also shared his ambition beyond just reaching the quarterfinals. Tiafoe is eager for more, gearing up for his next challenge against Italy’s No. 8 seed Lorenzo Musetti, who recently battled past Denmark’s Holger Rune.
On the women’s side, the American campaign is just as promising, with four stars—No. 2 Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 7 Madison Keys, and Hailey Baptiste—vying for spots in the subsequent rounds.
Tommy Paul, after showcasing a stellar performance at the Australian Open, reflected his strength once again with a straightforward victory over Alexei Popyrin of Australia, wrapping up the encounter in under two hours. Yet, awaiting him next is a formidable opponent, Spain’s defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, adding another thrilling chapter to this year’s high-octane tournament.