Frances Tiafoe’s first foray back into competitive tennis after the US Open was an unsuccessful one, having lost to Jiri Lehecka at the Davis Cup.
Admittedly, it was an underwhelming performance from the American, who struggled throughout in what was a relatively straightforward two-set triumph for his opponent.
Both he and his captain, Bob Bryan, were far from happy with the level exhibited throughout the match, with the former even questioning whether it would see Frances Tiafoe’s place within the squad scrutinised.
The doubles tennis legend has since rebuked that notion though, whilst speaking to the press.
Bob Bryan reacts to questions about Frances Tiafoe’s Davis Cup place
Answering questions about Tiafoe and his form, and whether it might see Reilly Opelka gifted his starting spot, Bryan was open in his assessment of the situation.
He told reporters: Yeah, Reilly [Opelka] has been here practising for seven or eight days. He’s not a bad option.
“But I didn’t think Frances [Tiafoe] was hitting the ball poorly tonight. He went up against someone who was seeing it very big. He had a small window in the first set and he didn’t take it, and against a player that’s playing that well, if you don’t take your opportunities, it can run away from you.
“But I don’t think Frances is in a bad spot.”
The American Davis Cup team has been ravaged over the last few weeks, with Tiafoe reacting to Ben Shelton’s injury at the US Open with sadness.
Frances Tiafoe rates his Davis Cup performance vs Jiri Lehecka
Tiafoe was asked a similar question to his Davis Cup captain in his press conference, and echoed the bulk of Bryan’s sentiments.
He admitted, on his performance: “Obviously not that pleased with it.
“Yeah, just tough. I thought I had some looks early. Once he broke me, I thought he did a great job of front-running.
“Really heavy conditions out there. He played well. Kind of a testament how I have been playing. Just not great. Just not playing very well. But, you know, early on it was a bit better. Just not playing well. Not playing nearly the level I should be, and that’s just the reality. Of course he played well. Just came off quarters at the US Open. He played well today, but I mean, just kind of a testament how I have been playing.”
Tiafoe was knocked out of the US Open in the third round, shocked early in yet another Grand Slam to continue his worrying 2025 trend.
