Frances Tiafoe continues his impressive run in the 2023 DC Open, securing a convincing victory over Shang Juncheng with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-3 in the round of 16.
As the second seed in the tournament, Tiafoe entered the main draw just behind his compatriot Taylor Fritz, making them the only top-10 players in the competition. With a first-round bye, Tiafoe faced an epic battle in the second round against Russian player Aslan Karatsev, ultimately triumphing in two tight tiebreaks, 7-6(5), 7-6(5).
On the other side of the court, Juncheng Shang presented a formidable challenge. The rising Chinese star advanced from the qualifying rounds and showcased his talent with a win over Ben Shelton in the first round of the Atlanta Open before falling to Kei Nishikori in the round of 16.
Undeterred, Shang navigated the qualifying rounds again this week, securing two victories over Emilio Gómez and once again, Ben Shelton.
From the outset, the American came out firing, securing an early break in Shang's opening service game. Despite facing some break points from his opponent, Tiafoe impressively saved all four opportunities, maintaining his dominance. In the seventh game, "Big Foe" struck again, securing another break and comfortably taking the first set 6-2.
Entering the second set with some uncertainties, the world No. 149 surrendered his opening service game to Tiafoe, who continued to excel on his own serve.
The former US Open semifinalist faced no break points throughout the match and capitalized on the first opportunity that Shang offered in the ninth game, securing another crucial break to close out the match with a final score of 6-2, 6-3.
With his place in the quarterfinals confirmed, the world No. 10 is set to face Daniel Evans later on the same day, following the match between Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff. Due to recent rain interruptions in Washington, Tiafoe will have limited time for rest between matches. Nonetheless, he remains determined to continue his remarkable performance in the tournament.
Frances Tiafoe d. J.C. Shang 6-2 6-3 This has been a year to remember for Big Foe. He reached the top 10 for the first time in his life. He won his 3rd career title. And now he's filling out the stadium at a tournament he used to sneak into Big Foe, Big Tennis. 🇺🇲
