“Dark Horse,” a title generally used to appreciate players for their unexpected rise is what fits Frances Tiafoe well right now. While top-ranked contenders like Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz had to leave the Cincinnati Masters arena with disappointment on their faces, the 26-year-old American managed to surpass tough challenges and eventually secured a slot in the quarter-finals. Throughout his campaign in the ongoing tournament, the levels he showcased against Jiri Lehecka not only surprised fans but also forced former pros to come forward with words of appreciation.

Tennis legend Chris Evert gave Frances Tiafoe a big confidence boost after his nail-biting victory against Jiri Lehecka at the Cincinnati Open. The 18-time grand slam champion took to social media platform X to drop a heartfelt message for the rising star. “Just watched the @FTiafoe match from last night… All I can say is 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏,” she wrote, making it clear that his recent performance has impressed the whole tennis community.

The American ATP star showed dominant form during the match. He secured a massive 6-4, 6-7(10), 7-6(5) win after battling for nearly three hours on the court. Tiafoe also faced tense moments during this time, as he let go of three match points in the second-set tie-break and wasted a 5-2 lead in the final set. Despite these setbacks, the American kept his composure and eventually took control of the showdown on his sixth match point. After the victory, he celebrated by writing, “Whatever it takes” on the camera lens, adding more to the commendable win.

However, Evert’s praise wasn’t limited to Frances Tiafoe’s performance on the court. She also highlighted his recent collaboration with coach David Witt by adding a simple, “and…. great choice in David Witt!!!” note. Tiafoe himself has spoken highly of Witt since they began working together in July. “He was open. Obviously, I was looking for a while, and our personalities kind of fit, you know. He’s super easygoing, you know, short kind of on information but gives quality information and doesn’t try to overcoach,” Tiafoe said, in a post-match interview at the Cincinnati Masters.

The 26-year-old also praised Witt’s experience, based on his successful work with Venus and Serena Williams. Tiafoe added, “He’s super easygoing, you know, short kind of information but gives quality information and tries to overcoach. So it’s been super easy right away. We’ve been getting along, having a great time. We’re both a little weird in a way where we just say off the jokes and stuff like that.”

As Frances Tiafoe’s partnership with David Witt shows new colors of his potential, it is yet to be witnessed how far he manages to go in the Cincinnati Masters. Although the American is displaying a rich vein of form in the ongoing event, his campaign in Montreal had to witness a harsh reality of rules and regulations.

Frances Tiafoe’s unexpected loss at the Canadian Open

Frances Tiafoe faced a tough moment when he had to replay a crucial point during his match against Alejandro Tabilo. While the scoreboard depicted a competitive 4-5 (30-30) score in the first set, Tabilo hit a shot that went long, but the Hawkeye system didn’t register it. After the error was revealed in a video replay, chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani ordered the point to be replayed instead of giving Tiafoe a game point.

Tiafoe lost the next two points, lost the set, and continued to struggle in the second set as well, eventually losing 6-4, 6-2. As the showdown ended on a chaotic note, the ATP star’s girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, appeared to be furious about the controversial call. She expressed her frustration with the help of a post on X, saying, “Someone please explain to me how they didn’t give Frances this point when it was clearly stated that his opponent hit the ball out … genuinely confused. 30-30, serving down 4-5. No player challenges, only electronic line calling. There was ELECTRONIC proof that he won the point.”

Although Tiafoe had to move out of the Canadian Open with sheer disappointment, he seems to have no regrets about his recent setback, as he has been playing quality tennis in Cincinnati. As the “dark horse” continues to impress fans and players with his stable performance, it remains to be seen if he can tackle the challenges ahead.