In a tightly contested quarterfinal matchup, Frances Tiafoe faced fellow American Ben Shelton at the DC Open, ultimately succumbing with a scoreline of 7-6 (2), 6-4. The loss marked another missed opportunity for Tiafoe, a native of Hyattsville, Maryland, who has sought tirelessly for a title in his hometown tournament, having participated in it nine times – the most of any active men’s player yet without a final appearance.
After the match, Tiafoe, visibly affected, walked back to his bench, removing his gold shirt and covering his face with a towel. The disappointment was palpable as the crowd, which had rallied behind him throughout the match, fell into hushed silence. Despite his loss, Tiafoe received a heartfelt standing ovation from the packed audience, acknowledging the local support he enjoys.
Reflecting on his desire to win the tournament, Tiafoe expressed, “Another year goes by, one year older, just want to get over the line and get it done.” Notably, this match also underscored the expectations placed upon him in a setting where he has established himself as a fan favorite.
The match presented challenges; Tiafoe managed only one break opportunity throughout against Shelton, who won an impressive 91 percent of his first serve points. Tiafoe has experienced mixed success at the DC Open, reaching the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive year but having last reached the semifinals the previous year.
In contrast, Shelton, who is also one of the leading names in American tennis, now holds a 3-1 career record against Tiafoe. The camaraderie between the players was on display throughout, with Tiafoe making light-hearted remarks before the match about Shelton’s connection to the Washington area as he dates local soccer star Trinity Rodman.
Adding to the night’s drama, lucky loser Corentin Moutet produced a stunning upset, defeating 14th-ranked Daniil Medvedev in a marathon match during the tournament. Moutet, who was only included in the tournament due to a last-minute entry after losing in qualification, showcased remarkable resilience and determination.
The DC Open has proven to be an exciting platform for tennis, highlighted by the passionate local support and competitive spirit displayed by the players, which bodes well for the future of the event. Tiafoe’s journey continues to inspire hope among fans that one day he will bring the coveted title home to his community.