Despite Making the Black Community Proud, Frances Tiafoe Cuts a ‘Frustrated’ Figure Following Ben Shelton Humbling at the US Open

A historic quarterfinal movement that tennis fans can never forget played out recently. A moment that saw two American tennis players, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, battle against each other to secure their place in the US Open semi-final. But only one American could move forward to have a happy ending in the clash. The unceded tennis player grasped this opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2023 US Open.

His opponent got a little flustered with his performance during the game. Recently, after the match, Tiafoe expressed his unfiltered emotions after suffering the setback.

Frances Tiafoe lauds inclusivity but admits frustration 

After facing a quarterfinal defeat from a 20-year-old unseeded tennis player, Tiafoe is going through a wave of emotions. Recently, during the post-match press conference, media personnel asked him an interesting question. They posed the historic moment of two black men facing each other on the tennis court after 15 years.

Although the historic nature of the occasion elevated their unfiltered feelings shared a different story.

He said, “It’s great with two people of color going at it. Obviously a historic moment. But ultimately once you get out there you just want to win. The moment’s great, and obviously surprised a lot of people, but when I’m out there I just want to win and play well. Obviously, both of those things didn’t happened tonight. I’m more on the frustrated side.” 

READ MORE – Adamant Frances Tiafoe Rejects Coco Gauff’s Untimely Ben Shelton Praise as All-American Clash Heats Up at US Open 2023

He made it obvious that although it was a great opportunity filled with pride for his country, on the personal front, it was not a favourable moment for him. Nevertheless, this is not the first time he has opened up about his emotions after a defeat. Earlier this year, he also voiced a similar honest self-assessment after he faced Wimbledon embarrassment at the hands of Grigor Dimitrov.

When Tiafoe opened up about his Wimbledon embarrassment

The 10th-ranked tennis player faced a third-round defeat in Wimbledon a few months ago. He similarly exposed his candid nature after enduring disappointment over facing such an early exit from the tournament. According to the Washington Post, the 25-year-old American tennis player was not happy with the way he performed against the 32-year-old tennis player.

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He stated how even after being in the top 10; he played like she didn’t even carry an ATP point. Nevertheless, since facing a third-round defeat at Wimbledon and now reaching the quarterfinals of the US Open, Tiafoe has definitely made a lot of tennis improvements.

His mentality to provide an insightful analysis of himself while working towards improving the weaknesses of his game could help him bounce back from the setback.

What do you think about the 25-year-old tennis players’ play in the quarterfinals? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.