Tiafoe, who won his second-round match against Juncheng Shang hours later, spoke about Rafael Nadal’s recent form in his post-match press conference.
Speaking about his countryman’s success against Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, the American, who himself emerged victorious against the Spaniard in the fourth round of the 2022 US Open, stated that he encouraged McDonald to pull off an upset similar to his. Additionally, he had also asked McDonald to take note of Taylor Fritz’s 2022 Indian Wells and ATP Finals glories and Tommy Paul’s 2022 Paris Masters win against the World No. 2.
The 24-year-old further added that he was thrilled with Mackenzie McDonald’s win against the 22-time Grand Slam champion and remarked that the World No. 65 would now have a special story to tell his grandkids.
“Selfishly, I would have loved that matchup again” - Frances Tiafoe on unfulfilled wish of playing against Rafael Nadal at the 2023 Australian Open
While Frances Tiafoe was happy with his compatriot’s victory against Australian Open defending champion Rafael Nadal, the young American, who was drawn in the Spaniard’s quarter, admitted that he was hoping to have a rematch of the 2022 US Open in the fourth round at Melbourne Park.
He, however, reiterated that he was happy for McDonald and was now hoping to face him in the fourth round instead.
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