Frances Tiafoe will meet Sebastian Korda in the Second Round of the 2022 Western and Southern Open. The match will be played on Wednesday August 17th, 2022.
Frances Tiafoe is ranked 25th on the ATP Tour and is unseeded here at the Western and Southern Open. The American had a stunning upset win in the First Round over 12th seeded Matteo Berrettini, breaking a streak of heartbreaking losses. At one stage it seemed that Tiafoe was going to let the match slip yet again after failing to convert all eight break points, and being denied on a match point in the third set. However, he was able to close out the match, and this will have given him a lot of confidence heading into this match against countryman Sebastian Korda.
Sebastian Korda is also unseeded here at the Western and Southern Open, and is ranked #52 in the world. After struggling in recent weeks, he had an impressive 6-3, 6-4 win over Karen Khachanov in the First Round, hitting 28 winners and eight aces. He will need to play solid and consistent tennis against Frances Tiafoe who looked outstanding in his First Round win, and enters as the underdog. Korda certainly has the game to win here, but he seems to be lacking in confidence due to his recent form and that will play against him here.
I am expecting a very entertaining contest here, and one that the home fans will definitely enjoy. Both men have big serves and play an explosive brand of tennis, so it likely will come down to who is more focused and confident on the day. It can go either way but I am leaning on the side of Frances Tiafoe here. He was great in his win over Berrettini and is playing more fearless tennis at the moment. Korda’s confidence has taken a beating lately, and his recent loss to Tiafoe will likely be playing on his mind. It will be a close one, but back Tiafoe with confidence here.