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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 15: Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their fourth round match during day ten of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 15, 2017 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The US Open 2021 is a tournament that is missing both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two have been the pillars of the sport for a long time and thus, fans are quite disappointed that both of them are not playing at the Grand Slam this year.
In a recent press conference, American tennis player, Frances Tiafoe, revealed that why the US Open 2021 is a bit of an important tournament for everyone. He believes that since Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are not playing at the Grand Slam, everybody believes that they have a chance at the title.
USA Today via Reuters
Frances Tiafoe of the United States returns a ball to Gael Monfils of France (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
“I mean, I think there is numerous reasons. You don’t have Roger, Rafa. Guys are hungry, guys are like, The Fucking Open, I got to fucking push.’ So I think that has definitely a part to play in it,” said Tiafoe.
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Tiafoe mentioned that the level of tennis is quite high at the US Open 2021 as everyone is giving his best. He stated that it is extraordinary that even qualifiers have reached the pre-quarters of the tournament.
“Level of tennis is high. Anyone can beat anyone. Look, I’m 50 in the world. I’m beating all these kind of guys. You have qualifiers in the round of 16, like tennis, like there is no bumps. Everyone’s good. Like if you don’t show up to play, you can lose to anyone,” added the American player.
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Frances Tiafoe feels that no player is giving up as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are not playing at US Open 2021
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Tiafoe reiterated that since there is no Nadal or Federer, everyone is giving their 100% at the US Open 2021. He claimed that there are players who are even older in age but are not giving up- feeling that they have a chance to succeed at the Grand Slam.
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Roger Federer of Switzerland shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after defeating him in the Men’s Singles Semi Final. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club at Wimbledon on July 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
“I mean, I definitely think guys are trying extra hard, because there is no Roger, Rafa. I truly believe that. I see guys foaming in the mouth, pretty funny to watch, I’m in the locker room cracking up. You have Seppi like 37 playing 15-13 in the fifth. What’s that about? Crazy. His 19th US Open, he’s putting his heart on the line. He’s probably not doing that if he plays Rafa the second round, probably, like, `I’m done.’ It’s unreal,” concluded the World No.50 player.
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Unfortunately, Frances Tiafoe got eliminated in the pre-quarters of the US Open 2021. Even though he won the first set, Felix-Auger Aliassime won the match in four sets. Fans still have high expectations from him and want him to make an incredible comeback on the court. Will he be able to end his 2021 season on a high?
