Frances Tiafoe is looking to strike gold! In hopes of indulging in more success, the American talent has been showcasing his impressive athletic prowess all week at the Cincinnati Open. But, there’s a daunting task ahead, one that will need all the energy to summon the best ‘Big Foe’ there is if he hopes to do justice to his dream run. And the crowd? They will certainly be looking to back the ATP Tour’s American excellence.

The World No. 27 has reached the last eight in Cincy where he will now square off against Polish star Hubert Hurkacz on Sunday, August 18. The mission? It’ll be rather challenging considering his opponent is no joke and can easily turn the results in his favor, igniting the match-up with his laudable skills.

Frances Tiafoe vs Hubert Hurkacz: Preview

Tiafoe survived a late-night scare from Czechia Jiri Lehecka during the duo’s Round of 16 contest at the event. The American turned heads after saving six match points against Lehecka, who made his maiden appearance in Cincy after retiring from his Madrid Open‘s semifinal clash due to a back injury. The home favorite prevailed over the Czech force in a three-set battle, 6-4, 6-7(10), 7-6(5).

Meanwhile, Hurkacz has converted all his meniscus surgery pains into effectively producing commendable results at the hardcourt tournament. During his Round of 16 showdown against Flavio Cobolli, the Polish star gave his maximum effort to conclude his rival’s challenge with a score line of 6-3, 3-6,6-1.

Tiafoe vs Hurkacz: Head-to-Head

The duo has locked horns a total of six times on the Tour with their most recent encounter witnessed at the Laver Cup where Tiafoe emerged victorious in straight sets. With this, their head-to-head was locked at 3-3, meaning this contest will dictate which player overtakes the other.

• 2023 Laver Cup, Round Robin: Tiafoe 7-5, 6-3.
• 2022 Vienna Open, R32: Hurkacz 7-6(9), 3-6, 6-3.
• 2021 ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells, R32: Hurkacz 6-3, 6-2.
• 2019 Winston-Salem, QF: Hurkacz 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-1.
• 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals, Round Robin: Tiafoe 41, 42, 24, 43(10).
• 2018 Washington, R32: Tiafoe 6-2, 6-4.

Prediction: Tiafoe to win in three sets

In the early part of the 2024 season, Tiafoe struggled to move past two rounds at any event. Though the American’s saving grace came in the form of his summit clash run at the Houston Open, he could not defend his title, losing to compatriot Ben Shelton. Despite the twists and turns, the 26-year-old has made a turnaround.

He reached the semifinal of the Citi Open and has successfully reached the last eight at Cincinnati since his 2017 debut main draw campaign at the tournament. In hopes of securing a deep run on his home soil, ‘Big Foe’ will look to execute his dynamic style of play. He is abundantly known for his aggressive forehand and looks to finish points with his slapping first serve. However, there’s a downside. Tiafoe’s gameplay houses a flat-bouncing backhand which can be easily exploited by his rival.

Hukacz has had a bitter-sweet run this season. The Pole won 38 of the 53 matches played and his sole title of the season came at the Estoril Open. The World No. 7 also secured a spot in the final of the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle only to bow out to Italian sensation Jannik Sinner. Moreover, at the French Open, he sustained an unfortunate knee surgery that knocked him out of play and further forced him to undergo a meniscus surgery. Despite all odds, the Pole has started to come out on top rather quickly.

The former World No. 6 has an opposite gameplay when compared to Tiafoe. He relies his strengths on a defensive baseline play, rallying and pushing balls till his opponents tire out. Hurkacz also emphasizes practicing counter-puncher gameplay when the conditions are right but mostly sticks to the farther end of the court to counter heavy topspin shots.

In summary, it will be tough for Tiafoe to sail through the Pole’s challenge. While Hurkacz can try and meddle with ‘Big Foe’s’ temperament by effectively returning his heavy hits, it will be hard for the Pole to absorb the former’s pace considering Cincinnati’s windy conditions and fast hard courts.