“It’s a very different scenario,” Mark Petchey believes Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe need to inspire each other
Former tennis player Mark Petchey thinks that both Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe has made their mark in the sport and now need to motivate each other to become better.
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Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe and Mark Petchey
American tennis players have made a name for themselves in the last few tournaments of the season. Team USA’s win in the United Cup 2023 gave a new confidence boost to America and its tennis players. This was evident in the recently concluded Australian Open.
However, the top two male players from the USA, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe, were knocked out of the first Grand Slam of the season earlier than was expected by American tennis fans. The World No. 8 lost in the second round of the competition to Alexei Popyrin. The world No. 14 was knocked out by Karen Khachanov in the third round.
Meanwhile, British tennis player-turned-commentator Mark Petchey assessed the performances of both Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz in the last 12 months. He thinks that the expectations of fans of both players have increased.
“For both Frances and Taylor, right now it’s a very different scenario. Semis of the US Open for Frances, obviously the pressure was ongoing into that,” he said on a podcast.
He also thinks that their performances in the Australian Open 2023 may be part and parcel of the sport and will act as a motivating factor to improve their performances in the upcoming tournaments.
“These guys are going to have a few losses, but when they look at the people around them who suddenly have a great week, that’s going to inspire them even more. That’s going to be more important than the wins they have, (that) when they have the losses, its the inspiration they can draw from each other,” he continued.
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Americans at the Australian Open 2023
The American tennis players saw a renaissance of sorts in their fortunes in Australia this year. Right at the start of the year, the United States won the inaugural edition of the mixed-gender United Cup competition. This triumph was followed by Sebastian Korda‘s brilliant performance in the 2023 Adelaide International 1 tournament. He reached the final of this competition. However, he could not win the tournament, which gave great confidence to all his compatriots.
In the 2023 Australian Open, top seeds such as Taylor Fritz, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Frances Tiafoe, among others, were on everybody’s list. Their performances were closely monitored by the media, coaches, and tennis legends. Jessica Pegula reached the quarterfinal round at Melbourne Park. However, here she lost to Victoria Azarenka. Meanwhile, Coco Gaff was knocked out in the fourth round.
“Alexei played great…Sometimes guys get hot and when it’s someone as good as Alexei is, it was tough for Taylor. It’s one of those little blips that you’re going to have at times,” Mr. Petchey talked giving his assessment of Taylor Fritz’s performance at the Australian Open 2023.
However, the greatest strength of US Tennis is its unsung heroes. Prominent players such as Sebastian Korda, Mackenzie McDonald, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton made their mark in this tournament. John McEnroe was also very happy with the Americans’ performances at Melbourne Park. He hopes that soon an American tennis player will be able to win major titles.
“I’m happy for Tommy Paul, he’s figured out how to win on the tour. He’s got himself incredibly fit and with Shelton there’s help for America now – god bless America! Over the next 18 months you’re going to see a couple of these guys, Shelton, Tiafoe and we’re heading places now – we are finally going to win one,“ he said.
Although no American could make the podium, the future does look bright for American tennis. It is only a matter of time before an American tennis player lifts a Grand Slam trophy.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)