Schwartzman survives Tiafoe in tight three-setter in Cincinnati

In a match that looked like it could have gone either way, Diego Schwartzman proved to be the better player as he battled past Frances Tiafoe to secure his spot in the round of 16 at the Western & Southern Open.

The Argentine prevailed in a 6-1 4-6 6-4 encounter that last two hours and 11 minutes, overcoming stiff resistance from the American who was buoyed by a raucous home crowd.

After cruising through the first set, Schwartzman was faced with an inspired Tiafoe, who relied on his shot placement and athleticism to confound the 10th seed. Unable to withstand this sudden onslaught, Schwartzman conceded his only break of serve as Tiafoe claimed the second set.

Read also

2021 Western & Southern Open Cincinnati ATP Prize money with $3,028,140 to be won

The decider could have gone either way, but it was Schwartzman's experience and patience that paid off. The World No.14 remained consistent as the errors began to creep into his opponent's game, with Tiafoe eventually losing serve to hand the Argentine a ticket to the round of 16.

Awaiting Schwartzman in the next round is Casper Ruud, as the eighth seed dispatched of Reilly Opelka in a close three-set encounter earlier in the day.