"I don't mind the matchup" says an unfazed Tiafoe of playing vs Djokovic

Frances Tiafoe got the chance to represent USA at the Olympic Games after a string of cancellations by higher-ranked American players. The American has a tough draw but later in the draw, he might face Djokovic and that is fine with him. He said:

"He’s a straight pro. His process every day is crazy. I’m not surprised he’s playing. He’s trying to achieve something extremely crazy this year, and obviously, I hope I can be a guy to stop him."

The two played against each other at the Australian Open in eerily similar conditions to the ones in Tokyo. Djokovic was able to win that match in four but it was much closer than that. Tiafoe believes the shorter format might also help him:

"I love seeing the greatness and if I can stop it, that would be cool. We’ll see. I don’t mind the matchup against him. I like playing Novak in two-out-of-three than three-out-of-five. I count myself as a dark horse at any particular moment. It’s a completely different format, it’s a team event, everyone is super nervous."

Tiafoe relishes the chalenge of the Olympics more so than the usual player. On his midnset going in he said:

“You’re trying to fight for a medal. It’s not like you’re with your whole individual team. It’s different. Everyone is out of their comfort zone and how do you get comfortable being uncomfortable? I feel like for me it’s kind of open and I’m just going to have a good experience and try to play my best.”