American Star Frances Tiafoe Takes Nick Kyrgios’ Wimbledon Example to Argue That Novak Djokovic Is Not Invincible: ‘The Level Is Not as Drastic’

Frances Tiafoe, the 24-year-old American tennis player, started the US Open on a positive note, as he beat compatriot Marcos Giron in straight sets. At the post-match press conference, he talked about the current state of men’s tennis, as he believed lower-seeded players can beat the likes of Novak Djokovic and others.

He compared the WTA players and the ATP players, pointing out the rise in quality players over the years. Additionally, he talked about the Wimbledon final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios to prove his point.

Frances Tiafoe talked about playing against Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Roger Federer

At the recent press conference, an interviewer asked Tiafoe about the chances of low-ranked ATP players winning Grand Slam tournaments like the WTA players. In reply, he said, “I totally think so. You think where Nick was at. I mean, I say it straight out, I think he should have won Wimbledon. I think he was the better player in that final. Novak mentally, he got exposed. That’s where the experience kicked in for Novak. I think tennis-wise, Nick played a better match.“

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“I’ve beaten guys in big matches, slams, big courts. Just a matter of doing it for two weeks, getting the rest, make quarterfinals, bunch of fourth rounds,” the American player further said.

The American felt that there are other guys on the tour who can also win matches consistently, but they need to maintain their top physical condition for two weeks to win a major. Additionally, he feels Djokovic is not invincible anymore; he said that Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Juan Martin del Potro were much harder to beat in their prime.

Tiafoe versus the Big Four

Contrary to his views, Tiafoe has a poor record against the Big Four – Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. He has played Djokovic only once, at the 2021 Australian Open, which he lost.

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Against Federer, he played three times and lost all of them. He has similarly suffered against Nadal as well, losing all two of his matches against the Spaniard. However, he managed to win once against Murray out of their three meetings.

Despite his poor record, many considered him as one of the most talented young players on the ATP tour during his initial days on the tour. Currently, the player has reached the second round at the US Open and will play against Jason Kubler.

How far can Tiafoe go at the US Open? Let us know in the comments.