"I've been struggling for a long time" - Frances Tiafoe reflects on 'positive strides' after runner-up finish in Cincinnati ahead of US Open 2024

Frances Tiafoe was delighted after taking 'positive strides' at the 2024 Cincinnati Open amidst a "tough season". The American reached his maiden Masters 1000 final, where he lost 7-6(4), 6-2 to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in an hour and 36 minutes.

Tiafoe has been struggling with his form this season and entered the Cincinnati Open with a 19-18 win-loss record. The 26-year-old made an honest admission after his quarterfinal win about his struggles in this 'tough' year but said that he was in a different place in life and just happy with whatever life gave him.

“It's been a tough year man, it's been a tough year,” Tiafoe said. “Yeah, pretty much since the end of my US Open (2023) run, what I haven't won 4 matches in a row since then so… yeah, it's been tough but I'm in a different place right now in my life. Happy to have everything that comes my way good, bad, different, kinda gets rolled with the punches.”

Tiafoe looked in good touch in Cincinnati, as he reached the final after ousting Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Lorenzo Mussetti, Jiri Lehecka, Hubert Hurkacz (retired), and Holger Rune to reach the final where he faced Jannik Sinner. The World No. 1 clinched victory over the American to win his second Masters 1000 of the 2024 season.

In his runner-up speech, Frances Tiafoe spoke about his struggles in 2024 and said that he was delighted with a week where he took 'positive strides' ahead of the US Open.

"I've been struggling for a really long time, so to have a week like this really means a lot. You guys (his team) know how tough it's been for me for a while so to have a week like this is great, positive strides, especially going into New York, so, let's stay with it man, let's stay with it," the American said.t(at 1:57)

"I took the L so I'm a little out of it" - Frances Tiafoe hilariously forgets to congratulate his team during his runner-up speech

Frances Tiafoe forgets to congratulate his team (Image Source: Getty)

After congratulating Jannik Sinner on his incredible run and becoming the World No. 1, Frances Tiafoe ended his speech but was reminded that he had forgotten to congratulate his team. The American came back to the mic laughing and admitted that it was terrible of him as he profusely apologized to his team.

He then congratulated his team on a successful week and hilariously said that he was a little out of it because he lost the final.

"Sorry (multiple times), that's terrible, that's terrible from me, sorry guys. I wanna congratulate my team man, sorry. I took the L so I'm a little out of it, sorry brother."

Frances Tiafoe's run at the Cincinnati Open saw him return to the Top 20 of the ATP rankings. The American is next scheduled to compete at the US Open.