"I haven’t been happy playing lately" - Frances Tiafoe on gaining much-needed confidence boost from 'fun' Wimbledon 3R battle against Carlos Alcaraz

Frances Tiafoe recently opened up about how he had received a significant confidence boost from his match against Carlos Alcaraz in the third round of the Wimbledon 2024. This encounter was their first meeting since facing off in the semifinals of the US Open two years ago.

Tiafoe was seeded 29th at the grass-court Major and kicked off his campaign with a hard-fought victory over Matteo Arnaldi after losing the first two sets. He then overcame 29th seed Borna Coric 7-6(5), 6-1, 6-3 in the second round to secure his spot in the third round for the fourth successive year.

However, Frances Tiafoe's campaign came to an end after losing 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-7(2), 2-6 to third seed Carlos Alcaraz in a match that lasted nearly four hours on Centre Court. This defeat marked the World No. 29's second loss to Alcaraz in the three matches they have played against each other so far on the ATP Tour.

Despite his defeat, Frances Tiafoe remained optimistic during his post-match press conference. The American said that he was grateful in being able to to play such an amazing match against a player of Alcaraz's calibre. He also stated that he was happy that he could show off his best game on the court

“It was amazing for me to be in an environment like that again and to play with such quality. To chase one of the best in the world and to show my best game on a court I’ve never stepped foot on. That’s definitely lit a light in me . I’ve had a lot of fun playing and I’ve felt very comfortable,” Frances Tiafoe said (via Punto de Break).

Tiafoe also mentioned that the match had boosted his confidence he hadn't been happy lately while playing. The American said that this match will also help him prepare for the rest of the season leading upto the last Grand Slam of the season, the US Open.

“It’s given me a lot of confidence, which is something I needed, I haven’t been happy playing lately. So to be able to compete like that, at the highest level, will help me a lot for the summer and for the US Open, where I also want to give my best,” he added.

Frances Tiafoe on his third round match at Wimbledon 2024: “What it means to compete, fight and give my all”

Frances Tiafoe

At the aforementioned press conference, Frances Tiafoe shared his positive takeaways from his third-round match against Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, despite his loss. He revealed that the learning he is taking away from the match was what it means to "compete," "fight" and give his all.

“I think I have more positives than negatives to take into account. When I started I didn’t even know I was going to play and then I did what I did. First time on a centre court, first time coming back from two sets down. So I’m taking that learning and understanding what it means to compete, fight and give my all,” Frances Tiafoe said.

Tiafoe also expressed that has learnt to always enjoy his game, as by doing so, it allows him to play more freely and perform much better. He stated that he wants to implement all these lessons throughout the remainder of the season and at the 2024 US Open.

“The most important thing I can take away from here is to enjoy my game and everything that means to me. When I’m like this I play much better and more freely. Hopefully I can do the same in the summer and make the most of all the weeks left until the US Open,” he added.

Following his Wimbledon exit, Tiafoe is next scheduled to compete at the Atlanta Open, which starts on July 22.