Tiafoe battles past Berrettini to reach second round at Western & Southern Open

American tennis player Frances Tiafoe proved his mettle on Monday night at the Western & Southern Open, battling past 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini in their first round encounter.

Tiafoe recorded a 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(5) win over the Italian star, leveling their head-to-head series to 1-1. The 24-year old last faced Berrettini at the 2018 ATP Masters Rome event, losing in straight sets.

Both players served incredibly well, but it was Tiafoe who had the edge, hitting 16 aces and winning 83% of points behind his first serve. There were no breaks of serve in the first set, with the American maintaining his consistency to edge out his opponent in the tiebreak.

After dropping an emotional first set, Berrettini regained his focus as he obtained the sole break of the match behind an excellent serving performance. The 12th seed saved both break points faced, and capitalized on his sole break opportunity to claim the second set.

With the home crowd edging him on, it was Tiafoe who increased his intensity int he decider. The World No.25 fired 9 aces and won an incredible 23 of 24 points behind his first serve, racing to the final set tiebreak without facing a break point. Gesturing to the crowd for support, they were enough for the American to get the edge on Berrettini, ending the marathon match after two hours and 51 minutes.

Tiafoe will face compatriot Sebastian Korda in the next round, over whom he holds a 3-0 career lead.