Frances Tiafoe had a busy weekend at the 2023 Houston Open and it resulted in a withdrawal from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.
Previously, two Americans withdrew from the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters. Sebastian Korda and Tommy Paul announced their withdrawal on the same day, and while Korda is struggling with an injury, Paul made the decision because of the 2023 Houston Open where he was also playing.
However, things didn't go well for him. Paul lost already in the second round and looking back, he may regret his decision to prioritize an ATP 250 event over ATP 1000, especially after losing already his first match in Houston.
On the other hand, Tiafoe waited with his withdrawal. The 25-year-old played four matches in two days and eventually ended with the winner's trophy in his hands and a lot of good memories, although the tournament faced a lot of difficulties with the weather.
"I don't know you that well, but I know you real well after today. It was an absolute war and an unbelievable final. I hope you guys [in the crowd] all enjoyed it, because that's what it's about. My second title, here in Houston on U.S. soil, so thank you!"
Tiafoe's withdrawal from the non-mandatory ATP 1000 event means that he'll miss out on a great chance to break into the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings for the first time in his career. After the triumph in Houston, the American closed up the gap to 10th Taylor Fritz to only 195 points and after a clay-court success on home soil, he would have been a good candidate to go deep also in Monte Carlo.
But Tiafoe will surely come back to his chance at the upcoming 2023 Madrid Open and subsequent Italian Open where he should take part.
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