Frances Tiafoe has said that the US team would fly home as soon as possible to be back in time for Thanksgiving, if they were to go on to lose to Italy.
Tiafoe lost to Lorenzo Sonego in the first match of the tie, with the US then going on to lose the tie 2-1.
Speaking after that first match, Tiafoe said, "Well, if we win, we are just going to chill out and watch some American football and just chill and get ready for Saturday. If we don't win today, we are looking at flights and trying to get my a** home as quick as I can and spend it with my actual family".
He went on to say, "You know what I mean? Kind of win-win, in a sense, but I'd much rather be here. I mean, I flew all the way out here".
On his loss, the affectionately named 'Big Foe' spoke of his disappointment with the tennis balls used in the tournament, citing them as a contributing factor in his loss.
"It was kind of flip-flopped. I was the one being aggressive, running him around, being aggressive. I was hitting the ball much harder. I think the balls are pretty fluffy here. It's tough to hit through. But he would as well. A couple of weeks ago I was playing very aggressive and stuff, and today he was. That was part of the biggest difference," Tiafoe said.
The big-hitting American has had a great season, especially in the latter half of the year. But it seemed clear from the start that Tiafoe was not completely invested in this competition.
He drew criticism when wearing a pair of headphones during the US national anthem at the start of the tie, before losing to Sonego and commenting afterwards that it may mean he gets to go home and be with his family for Thanksgiving.
Tiafoe will draw a line under this one, and look ahead to the new year with optimism.
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