Google News
Frances Tiafoe then commented on the surprise victory of her compatriot Mackenzie McDonald over Rafael Nadal, an opponent who at this point she will no longer have to face in the round of 16 of the Australian Open 2023. Tiafoe explained: "I spoke before the match with MacKenzie and aware of Rafael Nadal's difficult conditions I said he could beat it.
I, Fritz and Tommy Paul did it and now it was his turn. He had to join us and he did, that's something you can tell your grandchildren about. Victories on the GOAT are never simple even if selfishly I would have liked to face him again like in New York.
Anyway I'm happy, I'm happy for him and I hope to face him in the round of 16. Nadal is an absolute legend and he will remain so anyway."
Tiafoe about the match
After a complicated first round Frances Tiafoe wins the second round without particular worries, beating the very young Chinese Zhang in three sets, defeated with the result of 6-4 6-4 6-1.
The class of 2005 has shown interesting things and by winning his first match in a Grand Slam he brings home only positive things from this tournament. Exactly two hours of play and Tiafoe now, with the elimination of Rafa Nadal, has a great opening towards the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The tennis player spoke at the press conference and spoke about this and many other topics. Here are his specific words: "This victory gives me great confidence and from the beginning I felt that I played very well. Even the other day I could finish in three sets then I took some risks and that scare helped me.
I gained the awareness that I could lose, but today I kept my foot on the accelerator until the end and I think I gave a good performance. The service worked and I was also good at answering, then it's important not to make stupid mistakes and after a while I gained experience.
I feel really fit. In the end I think the serve makes the difference, today I scored 20 aces and my percentages are growing. Little by little as we go on the draw becomes more complicated, then if help arrives from the latter I will gladly take it.
Now I'm back and I'm playing the best tennis of my life. Zhang? This boy is special. He's going to be a problem on the circuit for a long time, he's 17 and that's how he plays. China will be lucky to have him and have a special career. He's really nice and I'm a fan of him, I'll be rooting for him in the future."