Tiafoe ‘On A Mission’, Cruises Into Houston Final

Due to a rain-soaked week in Houston, Frances Tiafoe has needed to win three matches between Saturday and Sunday to reach the final. The American has done just that, eliminating Dutchman Gijs Brouwer 6-4, 6-1 Sunday afternoon to move into the championship clash at the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship.

“I feel good, I feel good. I’m running on adrenaline,” Tiafoe said in his on-court interview. “I’ve got this crowd behind me and I’m on a mission, so I’m happy.”

Competing as the top seed at an ATP Tour event for the first time, Tiafoe is now one victory from claiming his second tour-level crown and his first since 2018 in Delray Beach.

Tiafoe will play Tomas Martin Etcheverry not before 7 p.m. local time. The Argentine is pursuing his first ATP Tour trophy.

“Just trying to get a win. Whoever I play… they’re both great players,” Tiafoe said. “I’m just going to rest, I’m going to kick my feet up and I’ll see you guys at 7.”

There were few complications for Tiafoe against the Houston-born Brouwer. The American did not face a break point in his 59-minute triumph.

Etcheverry also made the final with a straight-sets victory when he ousted German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-4. The 23-year-old entered the season without a tour-level quarter-final to his name. With his win against Hanfmann, Etcheverry has now made two finals, in Santiago and Houston. 

The Argentine is up to No. 59 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. His career-high entering the week was World No. 61. Etcheverry has spent seven hours and 47 minutes on court for four matches this week compared to three hours and 43 minutes for Tiafoe in three matches.

Did You Know?
Tiafoe will climb to a new career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of at least No. 12 on Monday. If the home favourite wins the title, he will ascend to No. 11.