Frances Tiafoe has withdrawn from the Mallorca Championships a day before he was due to play his first match.
After triumphing in Halle, Tiafoe was scheduled to travel south to the Spanish island.
However, injury has now forced the American to withdraw from the ATP 250 event.
How many combined major titles will Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur and Frances Tiafoe win in their careers?
All four players missed out on a golden opportunity to win the French Open…
The Mallorca Open have now released a statement confirming Tiafoe’s withdrawal, while also explaining the reason behind his absence.
Frances Tiafoe has suffered a lower back injury ahead of Wimbledon
“Sad to share that Frances Tiafoe won’t be able to play this year due to a low back issue,” a statement read on the Mallorca Championships X page.
“Wishing him a speedy recovery — hope to see him back next year!”
This injury issue has seemingly arisen less than a day after Tiafoe’s title-winning victory over Taylor Fritz at the Halle Open.
The injury is certainly a concern – especially when considering that Wimbledon is due to begin on June 29.
Last year, Tiafoe began his Wimbledon campaign by defeating unseeded Elmer Moller in straight sets.
He was then stunned by home favourite Cameron Norrie, losing 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 5-7 on Wimbledon Centre Court.
As a result, he earned only 10 ATP ranking points.
One hopes the American is able to sufficiently recover in time for this year’s Championships.
Frances Tiafoe’s best performance at Wimbledon
Tiafoe is set to participate in his ninth Wimbledon event when he arrives in south-west London later this week.
The American’s best performance at the event – to date – occurred in 2022, when he reached the fourth round.
Tiafoe, seeded 23rd, began the 2022 event by defeating qualifier Andrea Vavassori in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Frances Tiafoe’s Wimbledon record
- 2017: Second round
- 2018: Third round
- 2019: First round
- 2021: Third round
- 2022: Fourth round
- 2023: Third round
- 2024: Third round
- 2025: Second round
- 2026: ?
He then continued his excellent form against another qualifier – German player Maximilian Marterer.
Tiafoe defeated Marterer 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, setting up a clash with Kazakhstani star Alexander Bublik.
After losing the opening set to Bublik, Tiafoe roared back to claim victory; securing his place in the fourth round with a 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 triumph.
David Goffin, a former ATP Finals runner-up, then ended Tiafoe’s campaign in London.
The Belgian rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit, eventually winning 7-6, 5-7, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5.
“It felt like we were on clay court at one point, rallies were so long,” Tiafoe told reporters after the match. “I was, like, this is defeating the purpose of the grass court season!”
