Frances Tiafoe has advanced to the Australian Open third round after defeating Francisco Comesana on Wednesday.
The American star proved too strong for his Argentine opponent, eventually winning the contest 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 at the Margaret Court Arena.
Tiafoe endured a difficult 2025 season, falling from 18th in the rankings, to 30th. However he has vowed to perform at a higher level this year, and so far, he is living up to that expectation.
However, the American faces a different proposition in the Australian Open third round, as he takes on world number six Alex de Minaur; who recently revealed his goal for the 2026 tennis season.
After defeating Comesana, Tiafoe previewed his contest against de Minaur, who defeated Hamad Medjedovic on Wednesday.
Will Alex de Minaur finish 2026 ranked inside the top five?
Frances Tiafoe previews his Australian Open contest against Alex de Minaur
“Yeah, I mean as far as a player, I’ve known him for a while, known him for a long time,” Tiafoe said during his post-match press conference.
“Him and me, we’ve played since we came on the scene. Got in the top 100 kind of around the same time. Yeah, I mean, seen him around for years. And now we’re, you know, the older guys on the tour. And now we’re playing big matches against each other.
“Earlier than for both of us that we would like, but I’m happy to play against him. It’s going to be fun. Against all these fans. I love playing on the big courts. And now is where the event really gets going. Only tough and good matches ahead. And you have to rise to the occasion.
“He’s going to come for me, I’m going to come for him. Yeah, tennis is going to get their money’s worth.”
Later in the press conference, Tiafoe was asked whether his match against Comesana represented good preparation for dealing with Alex de Minaur’s speed.
Comesana, like de Minaur, is one of the quickest players on the ATP Tour.
“I mean it’s a great test before playing de Minaur because you have to [hit] one extra shot,” Tiafoe said.
“Going to make you earn it. You think you hit a winner, no. You got to hit the lob or whatever the case may be.
“It’s going to be great, man. Going to be great to play against him. Yeah, we’ve had some battles in the past, so I’m ready for another.”
Pick your Australian Open dark horse!
Frances Tiafoe’s record against Alex de Minaur
Frances Tiafoe has defeated Alex de Minaur once in their four meetings on the ATP Tour.
The pair first played each other at the 2018 US Open – de Minaur won the second-round match 6-4, 6-0, 5-7, 6-2.
A year later, de Minaur and Tiafoe faced off at the Next Gen finals. Again, the ‘Demon’ emerged triumphant, defeating the American star 4-2, 4-1, 0-4, 4-2.
Three years later, Tiafoe earned his first victory against the Australian, winning 6-3, 7-6 in the Paris Masters round of 16.
Their last meeting occurred at the 2025 Canadian Open. Despite a valiant effort from Tiafoe, he was ultimately beaten 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 by the Australian player.
