Becomes Youngest American Male Since Roddick To Win ATP Singles Title
In a 62-minute match that he dominated from the outset, Frances Tiafoe secured the first ATP World Tour title of his career with a 6-1, 6-4 victory overwhelming German Peter Gojowczyk at the Delray Beach Open in Delray Beach, FL on Sunday.
The 20-year-old is the first JTCC alumnus to claim an ATP singles crown and the youngest American male player to win an ATP Tour title since 19-year-old Andy Roddick won the 2002 Houston Open.
Tiafoe is projected to jump to #61 in the ATP World Tour rankings on Monday just shy of his career best #60. He will also move up to #2 in the 2018 ATP Race to Milan, which will determine seven of the eight qualifiers for November’s Next Gen ATP Finals.
Serving effectively throughout the tournament, Tiafoe won 89% of the points on his first serve in the final, including 13 aces. Tiafoe’s run to the championship included five wins over higher-ranked opponents, including a memorable round of 16 victory over world #10 Juan Martin del Potro.
“Frances really came of age this week in Delray Beach,” said JTCC CEO Ray Benton. “He has demonstrated that he will be a major factor at the top of the men’s game going forward.”
NBC4 in Washington, DC will broadcast video and provide coverage of the final in its 11 pm news report Sunday night hosted by 2018 JTCC GEICO Champions Celebration emcee Jim Handly.
Frances Tiafoe with his team after winning the Delray Beach Open (Credit: Art Seitz)
