Pro Media & News

Tiafoe reaches first ATP final in Delray Beach

Sally Milano | February 24, 2018


It was a breakthrough Saturday for Frances Tiafoe at the Delray Beach Open. In one day, the 20-year-old American won two matches – the first ATP quarterfinal and semifinal victories of his career – to advance to his first career final.


Tiafoe will play for his first ATP title Sunday against Germany's Peter Gojowczyk. Gojowczyk defeated three Americans en route to the final – John Isner in the second round, Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals and Steve Johnson in the semifinals.

 


On Saturday afternoon, Tiafoe finished his rain-suspended quarterfinal against No. 8 seed Hyeon Chung, defeating the reigning #NextGenATP Finals champion, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, on his eighth match point (three on Friday, five on Saturday). He came back on court a few hours later to compete in the semifinals, upsetting world No. 46 Denis Shapovalov of Canada, 7-5, 6-4.


"It's been a great last couple of weeks," Tiafoe told ATPWorldTour.com after defeating Shapovalov. "I'm just trying to keep riding this wave and see where it takes me."

Tiafoe earned one of the biggest wins of his career earlier in the week in Delray, defeating his childhood idol, world No. 10 Juan Martin del Potro, 7-6, 4-6, 7-5, in the second round. The victory was the American’s second ever over a Top 10 opponent. His first came last summer against then-No. 7-ranked Alex Zverev in the second round of Cincinnati.

If he wins the final against Gojowczyk, he would become the youngest American to claim a title since 19-year-old Andy Roddick won at Houston in 2002.

"As a kid you always want to win your first title, and now I have a chance to do it tomorrow," the No. 91-ranked Tiafoe said. "Hopefully I can do it."

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