"Either I’m going to die or nothing else” - Frances Tiafoe reveals his 'ready to give everything' mindset in US Open 3R win over Ben Shelton

Frances Tiafoe recently talked about the mindset he had during his third-round win over Ben Shelton at the 2024 US Open. The match was a rematch of their quarterfinal at last year's edition of the New York Major.

Tiafoe arrived in Flushing Meadows after finishing runner-up at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. His journey to the final included wins against players like Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Lorenzo Musetti, Jiri Lehecka, Hubert Hurkacz, and Holger Rune. However the former World No.10 ultimately fell short in the final, losing the title to top seed Jannik Sinner 6-7(4), 2-6.

At the 2024 US Open, Frances Tiafoe is seeded 20th and he began his campaign by defeating compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in the first round. He then advanced to the third round after his second-round opponent Alexander Shevchenko retired from their match during the third set due to an injury, with the score reading 6-4, 6-1, 1-0 to the American.

Most recently, Tiafoe triumphed over 13th seed Ben Shelton 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 in just over three hours to secure his place in the fourth round.

While speaking to the press following his win, the 26-year-old talked about the mindset he embraced before facing Shelton. He said that he was committed to give his all, a sentiment he had discussed with fellow player Christopher Eubanks.

“I couldn’t be happier, in the fashion it happened. Very similar last year you know, down to such levels, third set breaker and I went away in the fourth. Today in my mind and I was also telling Chris [Christopher Eubanks] that two things could happen out here today – either you know I’m going to die or you know or nothing else,” Tiafoe said [via ESPN].

The former World No.10 also revealed that he has been working hard and has been trying to improve his performance throughout the summer . He shared that he has been working with Justin Su’a, the Head of Mental Conditioning at the IMG Academy, to enhance his game .

“I was ready to give everything I had. That’s what I’ve been kind of doing all summer. Obviously in Cincinnati. So a lot of similar things. I’ve been working on with my process guy, Justin Su’a and just staying with it no matter what,” he added.

Frances Tiafoe will face either Novak Djokovic or Alexei Popyrin in US Open 2024 4R

Frances Tiafoe will take on either second seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic or 28th seed Alexei Popyrin in the fourth round of the 2024 US Open.

Djokovic entered the New York Slam fresh off a gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He began his title defense at Flushing Meadows with a dominant 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win over qualifier Radu Albot in the first round.

The Serb then advanced to the third round after his second-round opponent, Laslo Djere, retired from their match in the third set due to injury, with the score reading 6-2, 6-2, 2-0 ret.

Frances Tiafoe and Novak Djokovic have met twice on the ATP tour, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion emerging victorious on both occasions. Their most recent clash was at the 2022 Laver Cup, where Djokovic triumphed 6-1, 6-3.

Meanwhile, Alexei Popyrin began his US Open campaign by defeating Kwon Soon-woo 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 and Pedro Martínez 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the first and second rounds, respectively. Popyrin will face Djokovic in the third round, with the winner of that match taking on Tiafoe in the fourth round.

Frances Tiafoe and Alexei Popyrin have never crossed paths on the ATP Tour. Their potential fourth-round clash at the 2024 US Open will mark the first meeting between the two players.