"Frances Tiafoe’s level has fallen off a cliff & then another" - Fans react as American's woes continue with French Open 2R loss to Denis Shapovalov
Frances Tiafoe has had a disappointing outing at the 2024 French Open, bowing out of the claycourt Major in the second round. The American's on-court woes persisted, as he suffered a shock loss to Denis Shapovalov, leaving fans bewildered by his performance.
Despite his lackluster results in 2024, expectations soared for Tiafoe's claycourt season, as he kicked it off with a run to the ATP Houston final. However, opening-round exits at the Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome in the lead-up to the French Open cast renewed doubts over his form for Roland Garros.
Although the 26-year-old narrowly edged past Mattia Bellucci 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4 in the first round, he failed to replicate that performance against Denis Shapovalov.
Despite winning the first set, Frances Tiafoe suffered a 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 loss to the Canadian, bringing his win/loss record for the 2024 season to an unenviable 12-12.
Tennis fans were left baffled by the sharp decline in Tiafoe's level, particularly since his loss to Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open.
"Ever since the emergence of Shelton and his loss to him at the USO last year Tiafoe seems to be questioning his level and ability to be the next big American player," one fan commented.
"Announcers were acting surprised, but this is not really a surprising loss. Tiafoe’s level has fallen off a cliff…and then another one," another fan chimed in.
"That's a very good win for Denis Shapovalov over Frances Tiafoe. Gradually finding form again. On the other hand, it's hard to explain Tiafoe's season," said another.
Others questioned when the American would back up his run to the 2022 US Open semifinal, suggesting that he continues to "underwhelm."
"Tiafoe continues to underwhelm, when is he going to back up that US Open 2022 run?!" the fan posted.
"Told yall he was a mid. And he hasn’t been right since he lost uso against Carlos with the Obamas watching. Went Hollywood too fast," another fan shared.
"Tiafoe is really talented, but he clearly peaked at the end of 2022. The sport has gotten so good and deep...theres nothing in Tiafoes game that makes me think he can be a consistent top 20 player again," wrote another.
Several fans also expressed astonishment over Frances Tiafoe's failure to capitalize on his break points against Shapovalov, as he converted just one of 20 opportunities.
"1/20 break points bro thinks he’s Federer," one fan commented.
"Abysmal BP conversion rate from Tiafoe," said another.
"Frances Tiafoe ladies and gentlemen," another fan posted alongside a graphic of the match statistics.
Denis Shapovalov to take on Hubert Hurkacz in French Open 3R after win over Frances Tiafoe
Following his win over Frances Tiafoe, Denis Shapovalov will battle it out against eighth seed Hubert Hurkacz in the third round of the 2024 French Open. Hurkacz triumphed over Brandon Nakashima 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 to book his place against the Canadian.
The Pole enjoys a dominant 4-1 head-to-head record against Shapovalov, including a 7-6(3), 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 victory in their most recent meeting at the 2023 Australian Open.
If Shapovalov reverses his fortunes against Hurkacz, he will take on 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov or Zizou Bergs in the fourth round of the claycourt Major.