Frances Tiafoe: “I Feel My Routine Is Definitely Helping Me Be Locked” — 2024 Finalist Advances to Cincinnati Quarterfinals
Two years after reaching his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final on the hard courts of Mason, Ohio, Frances Tiafoe is channeling that same energy at the 2026 Cincinnati Open.
The 2024 runner-up—who pushed Jannik Sinner in a memorable title match—has surged back into the quarterfinals. His run comes following a right-hand procedure to remove a persistent cyst shortly after the National Bank Open, a quick turnaround that has done little to slow his momentum.
Overcoming Compatriots and Old Rivals
Tiafoe’s path to the final eight has been fueled by passionate crowd support, with fans filling the stands with chants of “ONE, TWO, THREE, FOE!”
After battling past 20-year-old countryman Learner Tien 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a spirited third-round duel, the World No. 23 delivered a crisp 6-3, 6-4 victory over Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“I’ve been extremely consistent this year, winning a lot of matches,” Tiafoe said. “It’s been really consistent. I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve been giving myself a chance week in, week out in the draws of beating guys and I guess making it super tough for guys. Every match I’ve played, we’re going to the wire, whether I win or lose. It’s been a lot of fun. I hope to continue.”
Tiafoe now sets up a marquee Friday night clash against 10th seed Lorenzo Musetti. The two hold an even 3-3 head-to-head record, with Tiafoe notably defeating the Italian during his 2024 final run in Cincinnati.
A New Approach Off the Court
Following his split with coach David Witt in October 2025, Tiafoe joined forces with Mark Kovacs, adopting a more disciplined, holistic training regimen. The structural shift has produced noticeable improvements both on and off the court.
“I was pretty fly-by-night last year, kind of just doing what I felt like doing,” Tiafoe admitted. “I feel my routine is definitely helping me be locked, to show up every day and continue to try to give my best self. Just trying to be better each day, like more in a holistic-type situation, not just on the court. I want to improve myself off the court. I want to be a better brother, a better boyfriend, a better son. That all kind of helps me to be a better player in the end.”
Historic American Presence in the Elite Eight
Tiafoe’s quarterfinal berth carries broader significance for American tennis. Alongside Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, and Brandon Nakashima, four American men have reached the quarterfinals in Cincinnati—a feat not accomplished at this event since 1995.
