'I Felt Like The Better Player': Tiafoe After Disappointing Roland Garros Loss

Monday, 05 June 2023 at 05:00

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byAlfredo Bassanelli

Frances Tiafoe was visibly disappointed during his press conference after losing to Alexander Zverev at the 2023 Roland Garros.

The American entered the match with high expectations wanting to make the second week at the Grand Slam. He believed that he could defeat Zverev who hasn't been playing that well this year even though his Roland Garros level is a clear step up from previous events, but he admitted that he wants to finish with the trophy in his hands.

It started well for him as he took the first set but then he lost the next three. Two were close with tie-breaks that were won by Zverev and one was demolition by Zverev as he won 6-1. Interestingly enough Tiafoe's only game in that set came after one game was played as he broke Zverev's serve to take a 1-0 lead after which he fell apart.

I'm an easygoing guy, obviously, but this is going to hurt for a while. Especially, let's just call a spade a spade. My section of the draw really opened up. I really feel I let the opportunity go, to be really honest with you. This is going to hurt a lot.

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The draw did open up quite a bit because he would have faced Grigor Dimitrov in the next round for a spot in the quarter-finals. If he would have won that it would be either Yoshihito Nishioka or Tomas Martin Etcheverry, very beatable opponents. The loss is particularly painful because Tiafoe feels like he was the better player.

Especially with all the opportunities I had. I mean, I really felt like I was the better player tonight. I let it go. So that's the name of the game. Some loose points, and some up and downs. He kind of stayed with it.

Up next is grass, a surface that suits the way he plays a bit better and he's excited for it.