What Frances Tiafoe cheekily told Carlos Alcaraz at the net after Wimbledon thriller
Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe exchanged words after their epic clash yesterday.
Frances Tiafoe jokingly told Carlos Alcaraz “I can’t stand you” after the Spaniard scuppered his Wimbledon dreams on Centre Court on Friday. A gripping third round clash eventually went the way of the 2023 champion, but only after he twice came from behind to prevail 5-7 6-2 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2.
The American has struggled for form since breaking into the world’s top-10 last year, but despite the loss, his latest display was a timely reminder that he is capable of challenging the elite.
Amid the intensity of the contest, the mutual respect between the pair was evident, with Alcaraz at one point crossing over the net to check on his opponent as he lay on the turf following a gruelling rally.
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There was also a clear exchange of words at the net after the two stars had finished their four-hour clash. And in his post-match press conference, Tiafoe was pressed on what was said during his conversation with the Spaniard.
"Just ultimate respect,” replied the 26-year-old. “Him just saying, 'It’s good to see you play like that.' Me just saying, 'I can’t stand you.'"
The 26-year-old smiled wryly as he spoke, with the jibe clearly meant in jest. And yet, he could be forgiven for resenting the three-time Grand Slam champion after history repeated itself from the 2022 US Open.
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The pair met in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows, and again it was Tiafoe who took both the first and third set before Alacaraz dug deep to prevail 6-7(6) 6-3 6-1 6-7(5) 6-3. The current world No.3 would duly go on to beat Casper Ruud in the final and seal his first Slam crown.
But Tiafoe, still striving for an elusive Slam of his own, claimed the latest defeat hurt him more than when he lost out in New York. “If I want to win one of these things, I got to beat him,” he conceded.
“I mean, of course, I'm going to think about it. But I think this one hurts a little more than the Open. I think this one I can honestly take confidence from and can't hang my head too low.”
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Despite appearing in trouble, the outcome enhanced the formidable record of Alcaraz in five-set clashes at a Grand Slam. He now has a 12-1 win record in contests that go the distance, the best of the open era.
He’ll next face 16th seed Ugo Humbert or Brandon Nakashima as he bids to retain his title. Since 2007, only Novak Djokovic has managed to win back-to-back men’s singles titles at SW19.