Frances Tiafoe: "Alexander Zverev is going to be back at the top of the game in no time"

Frances Tiafoe's remarkable journey at the 2023 French Open ended on Saturday, June 3 with a defeat at the hands of Alexander Zverev.

The match featured four sets of breathtaking shot-making and a multitude of unpredictable moments. Ultimately, it was Zverev who secured a hard-fought 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 7-6(5) victory.

In a post-match press conference, Tiafoe was asked if he had noticed any changes in Zverev's form compared to last year, when he had to retire from his semifinal match against Rafael Nadal due to an ankle injury. The 25-year-old responded that while Zverev was clearly not at his best yet, he had played extremely well and would be back at the top soon.

"I think he competed really well. I still think he is obviously not at his peak level. Every match he is going to be in because of how well he serves, right, but obviously he is not at his peak level," Frances Tiafoe said.

"He played pretty well tonight. I mean, he works so hard. He puts the time in. He's going to be fine. He's going to be back at the top of the game in no time, but I don't think he's at his peak level, for sure," he added.

Tiafoe then talked about their friendly interactions in the gym, before expressing hope for Zverev to achieve success in the tournament.

"Yeah, he's still very good. He beat me tonight, so he's still very good, and I'm playing very well. Good for him and whatever. Once it's done, it's done," Tiafoe said.

"We were just in the gym cracking jokes. For me, once it's done, it's done. It's whatever. Yeah, we'll see how he does, and hopefully he takes the opportunity and carries on," he added.

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"I tried to get the crowd into it at times obviously and stuff, but they were pro-Sascha tonight" - Frances Tiafoe

Frances Tiafoe pictured at the 2023 French Open.

Further elaborating on his friendship with Alexander Zverev, Frances Tiafoe said that at one point during the match he hit the German with the ball playfully. The audience, however, misinterpreted the situation and began booing him, unaware that they had been friends since they were 11.

"You know, there was one time where I hit him with the ball and the crowd started booing. I was, like, okay, only people knew that me and him have been good friends since we were 11. It's all fun and games," he said.

Tiafoe also admitted that he attempted to engage the crowd during the match despite the fact that they were predominantly supporting Zverev. The American tried to remain focused on his own performance, and was determined to do his best.

"I tried to get the crowd into it at times obviously and stuff, but they were pro-Sascha tonight. I raised up a couple of times, and they weren't really feeling me, so I was, like, all right, I'm just going to do my thing tonight, whatever," he said.

This is Frances Tiafoe's best performance at the French Open to date; he had never gone beyond the second round earlier.