Frances Tiafoe unexpectedly did not show up in Shanghai. He had only played three matches after the US Open. Tiafoe last played at the Laver Cup and will now be playing his first ATP tour event in a month. The 25-year-old ended up at the wrong airport and missed his flight to Shanghai. Tiafoe was supposed to go to Dulles airport but instead went to the DCA airport and had to take a flight on the next day.
Tiafoe’s friend and fellow countryman, Taylor Fritz, was not surprised to hear the news. Fritz knew his friend too well, and they had a good time at the Laver Cup while talking about each other’s habits. The world No.8 said, “I’ll give him sh*t when he gets here, but I feel like when he misses his flight, the last thing he wants is me texting him and making fun of him.” Tiafoe could only laugh at Fritz’s response.
“I went to the wrong airport coming here…”
This could only happen to @FTiafoe! 😆#RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/fpXEiwfa2C
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 5, 2023
Fritz had already arrived in Shanghai a few days before, while Tiafoe showed up at the last minute. Both players have a poor track record at the event. They have not gone beyond the third round in three attempts. While Fritz looks to be more in form this season, Tiafoe has lost three of his last four matches on tour.
Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz hoping to survive in Shanghai
The Shanghai Masters 1000 will have two Americans in the top ten seeds. Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz will be leading the attack at the event. Both players have played in Shanghai multiple while the rest of the Americans are making their debut. Fritz will play his opening match against Yosuke Watanuki, while Tiafoe will begin his campaign against Lorenzo Sonego. The Italian won his last two matches against Tiafoe.
Taylor Fritz is the third player this season to record 50 wins. He has also won two hardcourt titles this year. The world No.8 reached at least the quarterfinals in seven consecutive events at the beginning of the season. But he has struggled in the final phases of each event. Frances Tiafoe has not reached the semifinals in the past four months of the tour.
Frances Tiafoe or Ben Shelton are guaranteed a spot in the semis.
Taylor Fritz hopes he can join them. pic.twitter.com/ijIOopDI2R
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2023
The world no.13 has won a grasscourt and hardcourt title this year. Tiafoe comparatively played well in the first half of the season. This time, the players will get enough rest as five additional days have been added to the event. Tiafoe can get over his traveling fatigue, while Fritz will be aiming to strengthen his position to qualify for the Nitto ATP finals.