"This can't happen at an elite level": Frances Tiafoe hails US Open's use of video replays, bemoans their absence during Cincinnati Open controversies
Frances Tiafoe opined on the absence of video replay technology at the Cincinnati Open following two controversial incidents at the tournament. The American also lauded the technology's availability at the upcoming US Open.
The first controversial incident in Cincinnati occurred between Taylor Fritz and the chair umpire, Greg Allensworth during the former's first-round clash against Brandon Nakashima. When Nakashima led 3-2 in the second set his forehand landed out during their rally, but Hawkeye's error resulted in no call.
Allensworth abruptly stopped the play and asked for the point to be replayed, despite the video later showing the ball was out. Fritz, frustrated, argued with the chair umpire, however the call wasn't reversed due to the unavailability of the video review.
The second incident again involved Allensworth in the third-round match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper. On match point, Draper hit a volley that appeared to bounce before crossing the net, but the chair umpire ruled it valid, awarding Draper the match. However, with the unavailability of the review system, the Canadian's efforts to overturn the decision went in vain.
Reflecting on these incidents during his press conference ahead of the US Open press conference, Frances Tiafoe criticized the lack of video reviews at an elite tournament like the Cincinnati Open. The American however, expressed his delight at having the technology available at the New York Major.
"Yeah, very happy to have that. Very happy to have that. I think it's very, very big. There's a lot on the line that you're playing for. You know, I mean, some things that happened last week, I feel like this can't happen at an elite level," Frances Tiafoe said.
"We're talking about top of the game, our biggest events outside of slams. I think it's a really, really good thing. You know, technology is so good now, I think it should be covered in that way for sure," he added.
Other renowned figures, such as Rennae Stubbs, Nick Kyrgios, and Novak Djokovic have also called for the implementation of video review technology at tournaments
Frances Tiafoe discussed how confidence impacts his performance
In the same press conference, Frances Tiafoe explained the difference between playing with confidence and without it. The 26-year-old said that when he's confident, he feels more excited and can instill fear in his opponents.
"I think there's a big difference (smiling). I think there's a massive difference. I think the one thing you see is a lot more joy and excitement when I'm playing when I'm really confident. The level of fear I instill in my opponent, for sure," Tiafoe said.
Tiafoe added that his passion on the court helped him get the crowd involved in the match.
"Yeah, I find I'm much more aggressive, much more sure of myself. I get the crowd into it, play with much more passion, energy, than when I'm not. I think it's two different Franceses, for sure, when I'm in that mode. I think, you know, it's really good for the game, as well," he added.
Tiafoe reached his maiden Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati after defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Lorenzo Musett, Jiri Lehecka, Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musett. Here, her lost to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
He will start his US Open campaign against compatriot Aleksandar Kovacevic in the first round.