Frances Tiafoe is very motivated ahead of the 2023 Davis Cup in the beautiful seaside town of Split, Croatia.
Visiting Split is never a bad idea, but for Tiafoe, it will be all business as he looks to power his nation past the Croatian side in a bid for the knockout stages of the Davis Cup Final. The USA has a strong team, but they must book their place first.
The European nation is hosting its group in Split, hoping to make it through. It will be tough without top player Marin Cilic, who has been injured pretty much all year, and Borna Coric, who withdrew his participation. Tiafoe is well aware of the history that the US has in the competition, describing it as an honour to play for his country.
Mac [John McEnroe] and those guys were way too early for me, but I know the history of it. Davis Cup is an unbelievable event. Obviously it's a huge honour. Something you always want to do, be a part of. So, I'm super excited to be here and see how we go.
Tiafoe leads a team consisting of good friends Tommy Paul, and Mackenzie McDonald, and doubles specialists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. It's a really strong team, and they're favoured to win the group, especially since Tiafoe, who lost in the US Open quarterfinals, is not lacking any motivation. His first Davis Cup match came against Croatia, and it didn't go that well.
I was young, my debut was tough. I played [Marin] Cilic, he was No.6 in the world at the time, he kicked my ass pretty good. I had a tough battle with Coric. I plan on beating them this time round. But, I can still say I enjoyed it. Obviously playing here in Croatia, with the crowd.
I was definitely nervous. You know, it’s Davis Cup, no matter how many times you play you’re nervous. You want to perform well, a lot of the time. This is bigger than yourself.
0 Comments