"Great choice" - Chris Evert applauds Frances Tiafoe and coach David Witt as American reaches Cincinnati Open QF in scintillating fashion
Chris Evert was mighty impressed by Frances Tiafoe on Friday night, as the American booked his spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Cincinnati Open in style. In addition to TIafoe, his coach David Witt also earned Evert's applause for his work behind the scenes.
Tiafoe, coming into the Cincinnati Open after a first-round exit at the Canadian Open, took down Jiri Lehecka in an epic three-setter in the Round of 16 in Cincinnati. After winning the first set 6-4, he lost the second set 6-7(10) in a tiebreaker before roaring back to snatch the third 7-6(5) in another tiebreak.
Taking to Twitter (now X) to congratulate the 26-year-old on the display, Chris Evert wrote:
"Just watched the @FTiafoe match from last night... All I can say is 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏and.... great choice in David Witt!!!"
Tiafoe and Witt began their partnership in June this year, following his run to the third round at Wimbledon. Witt is a well-known name on the tennis tour, having coached the likes of Venus Williams and Jessica Pegula in the past.
"I called him right after I played at Wimbledon and I was like, ‘bro, you wanna do something? You’re a free agent right now and so am I. So let’s do something; let’s try to have a good partnership.," Tiafoe said of his relationship with Witt speaking to press at the Atlanta Open after Wimbledon.
The North American hardcourt swing has so far been good for Frances Tiafoe, who reached the quarterfinals in Atlanta and then the semifinals at the Citi Open before the Canadian Open.
Frances Tiafoe to take on Hubert Hurkacz in Cincinnati Open QF
Following his win over Jiri Lehecka, Frances Tiafoe will next take on Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Cincinnati Open. The head-to-head between the duo is currently 1-0 in favor of the American, who prevailed in their encounter at the BOSS Open last year.
The winner of the clash will then battle against either Jack Draper or Holger Rune in the semifinals. Meanwhile, top seed and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 6 seed Andrey Rublev, No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev and 12th seed Ben Shelton are in contention to reach the final from the top half of the draw.
Last year, Tiafoe lost in the second round at the ATP Masters 1000 event, losing in straight sets to three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.