Frances Tiafoe Says He’s Losing His Dark Horse Title After Winning Against Rafael Nadal

Dark Horse Frances Tiafoe landed a win after an exciting match against Rafael Nadal. The 24-year-old had been confident even before the US Open match, sharing his strong conviction that he’s able to win against the long-time winner.

Before his match, he shared his thought that “everyone is beatable, even the top guys,” as the “guard” is changing. But at that point, he was okay with being the “dark horse who can do something special.”

CONGRATS Young King!!! You earned it! @FTiafoe 🙏🏾✊🏾🤎👑 https://t.co/QQ0Jn7Lotp

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2022

“I kind of like it that I’m not like in the forefront of that because, you know, let those guys handle the pressure. I’m kind of Court 17, get some cheeky wins.”

Well, everyone who watches Open US 2022 and their mom now knows who’s Tiafoe after he became the first person to beat Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam. And with that, the 24-year-old is set to play in the quarter-finals for the first time.

“Now that’s over, man. I was thinking about that. Now that’s over. There’s no dark horse anymore,” he cheekily commented.

“It’s all good. It helped me play well. But even now, I know what I can do, I know what I’m capable of doing these next couple matches if that happens.”

“I still feel no pressure. I still feel like I’m not supposed to do anything. I’m just here to play great tennis and enjoy it. I’m having fun out there, as you can see.”

He recalled telling his dad how he could change their life with tennis, and he actually did it.

The celebration was in order as Tiafoe’s best friend went wild at the audience seat for him, and even James LeBron congratulated him on his win.

This fan sums up that match: #USOpen pic.twitter.com/A3oGr0q73e

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022

He shared his feelings later, “I was telling my agent, I felt like the world stopped. I couldn’t hear anything for a minute. Even shaking his hand, I don’t even know what I said to him. It was such a blur.”

“I was already tearing. I could barely see him and my team. Everyone was up. It was just wild. My heart is going a thousand miles an hour. I was so excited. I was like, Let me sit down. I’ve never felt something like that in my life, honestly.”