
Delray Beach, Florida
It took just 62 minutes for Frances Tiafoe to become the youngest American since Andy Roddick in 2002 to win an ATP title. The 20-year old capped off his impressive week with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk.
Full credit to Tiafoe for the victory defeating World No. 9 Juan Martin Del Potro, 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist Hyeon Chung and 18-year old phenom Denis Shapovalov along the way. Not a bad week considering he got in the tournament as a Wild Card on Friday of last week. Gojowczyk had been on a roll himself reaching the quarter-finals in two other tournaments in 2018. He had also defeated 14 straight American players in Main draw and Challenger events.
Tiafoe started on fire in the first set of the match breaking his opponent in his first two service games. Impressive since Gojowczyk hadn’t been broken in the tournament since his first match. Down 5-0, the German got treatment from the ATP trainer during the changeover for an injured hamstring, something which had been bothering him since his semi-final win over Steve Johnson. Shortly thereafter, Tiafoe closed out the opening set in 26 minutes.
In the third game of the second set, some poor play from Gojowczyk put him in another hole. An unforced error gave “Big Foe” yet another break.
After another brief visit from the trainer, Gojowczyk managed to get his first decent look at Tiafoe’s serve and after a forehand cross court went wide, the 28-year old broke back and evened the set 2-2.
Unfortunately for him, he couldn’t ride any momentum and gave up the first three points of the next game. After missing an easy forehand put away into the net, Tiafoe was ahead again.
Tiafoe was never challenged the rest of the way. A second serve ace, his 13th of the match, gave him the victory. Tiafoe collapse to the ground in celebration becoming the eighth player to win his first career title at Delray Beach. The first since Ernests Gulbis in 2010.
“I was not expecting this especially how the year started,” said Tiafoe. “It’s unbelievable, it’s a dream to win your first title now I’ve got that off my back and that feels pretty good so early in my career. It’s an amazing feeling and I hope I can get many more.”
Tiafoe also moves up 30 spots in the ATP World Rankings from No. 91 to No. 61. He becomes the first Wild Card in the 26 year history of the tournament to win the title. He
Gojowczyk is now 18-2 in his last 20 matches against American players. His only losses are both to Tiafoe.
The youngest player to ever win an ATP Tour title was at this event ten years ago. Kei Nishikori won the Delray Beach Open in 2008 at just 18 years 1 month and 19 days of age.Tiafoe Youngest American To Win ATP Title Since 2002.
@Sportshorn