Queens, NY—-Frances Tiafoe made quick work of Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, securing a comfortable 6-3, 7-6 (6), 6-3 win to advance to the second round of the U.S. Open on Monday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In a performance that lasted just under two and a half hours, the 27-year-old American, a two-time U.S. Open semifinalist, looked sharp throughout. Tiafoe, seeded No. 17, will next face fellow American Martin Damm as he looks to make another deep run after last year’s semifinal exit.
“It’s always special to be back here,” Tiafoe said in his post-match interview. “Playing at the U.S. Open, at Arthur Ashe, is an incredible honor. This tournament is the best in the world, and it’s a privilege to compete on this stage every year.”
Dressed in an eye-catching all-red kit from his Lululemon partnership, Tiafoe’s focus only intensified as the match progressed. The power of his game was evident from the start, particularly his serving, where he fired 19 aces to Nishioka’s five. Tiafoe also hit 51 winners, far surpassing Nishioka’s 26.
One of the standout moments came during a dominant serving streak, where Tiafoe won 12 consecutive points from his serve. Averaging a serve speed of 116 mph, he reached a blistering 135 mph on his fastest delivery.
“The crowd support here is incredible,” Tiafoe remarked. “It’s always easier to perform well in a place where you’ve had success. I’ve won a lot of matches at this venue in recent years, and it definitely gives me a boost.”
With his eyes set on a potential deep run, Tiafoe’s confidence is building as the tournament progresses.
