Frances Tiafoe has acknowledged that he still thinks about the epic US Open semifinal, in which he lost in five sets to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
2024 has been a struggle so far for the entertaining American. For instance, Tiafoe was outplayed by Stefanos Tsitsipas in Indian Wells, which has happened to him many times this season.
Tiafoe is seeking to rediscover the level he had in the 2022 US Open semifinal against Alcaraz, who recently dropped to a two-year low in the ATP rankings. This is due to Jannik Sinner's amazing start to the season.
Despite eventually losing, Tiafoe's level against Alcaraz was incredible. Those inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium created an incredible atmosphere to try and get Tiafoe over the line, but the 19-year-old Alcaraz showed remarkable composure to triumph.
Tiafoe recently spoke to Nick Kyrgios about that match on the Australian's podcast. The American spoke about visualizing competing for the US Open trophy in the fifth set of his contest with Alcaraz.
"I think about that fifth set, like I’m one set away from the US Open final. I was thinking of the highs of it. Just walking on the court, I’m thinking about what that would’ve been to just go and hold that trophy, at least have the chance to compete for that trophy."
The 26-year-old also mentioned that he sometimes wants to knock Alcaraz out when he sees him but immediately clarified that he was making a comment in jest and that the Spaniard was a very nice person.
"I think about it all the time, like even sometimes when I see the guy (Carlos Alcaraz), I just want to knock him out. Obviously, he’s the nicest guy in the world, so, of course not, but it’s one of those that hurt."
Despite how tough the defeat was, Tiafoe said he had never experienced anything better in his life than that match at his home Grand Slam.
"Taking the L at the end was tough, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt like the crowd was literally on my fingertips, something I will remember for the rest of my life,"