Carlos Alcaraz renews friendly rivalry with Frances Tiafoe at Wimbledon, revisits US Open epic

Carlos Alcaraz had the No. 1 crowd in stitches with his response to the news that rival Frances Tiafoe was “coming for him” in their upcoming Wimbledon third round.

“I’m going for him!” exclaimed the smiling Spaniard. “I know that he’s a really talented player, a really tough one and maybe even tougher here on grass with his style.”

Tiafoe has been talking tough about his opponents at the All England Club, eager to turn around a disappointing 12 months that has seen him slip out of the Top 10 and win just one match on grass heading into Wimbledon.

“I’m barely seeded here, losing to clowns, I mean…” the No. 29 seeded American said flatly after winning his first round on Monday.

“I hate to say it, but I’m just gonna be honest with you guys…I took the game for granted and got a little too comfortable.”

Frances, a great player, a great person as well. He always smiles. He always seems like he's enjoying his time on the court, off the court as well. It's pretty impressive. Try to put a show every time he steps on the court, as well. Carlos Alcaraz on Frances Tiafoe

Even after rallying from two sets down to defeat Matteo Arnaldi and backing up the win with a straight-sets victory over former No. 12 Borna Coric, Tiafoe will take nothing for granted against Alcaraz in their first match since facing off in the 2022 US Open semifinals.

“Everybody loves him in the United States. Is kind of different feeling.” said Alcaraz, who won in five sets and went on to win his first major title.

“It was a great match. I think we played really great points. I think that the crowd enjoyed that match. I'm pretty sure that the people are going to enjoy this match, as well.”

The Wimbledon crowds have been enjoying Alcaraz through a largely standard title defense, struggling in the first sets of both his matches before solving the likes of Mark Lajal and Aleksandar Vukic in straight sets.

“I've been in this position before as defending champion in a Grand Slam,” said the No. 2 seed, fresh off his third major victory at Roland Garros. “Last year in the US Open, I felt not too much pressure. I try not to think about it.

“This year here in Wimbledon, same feeling. Obviously, it's special to playing as defending champion and try not to think about the pressure that I have to win it again or to be far. I just try to think about every day, every match, every practice, trying to be better. That's all I'm thinking right now.”

Tiafoe will likely be Alcaraz’s first major test of the fortnight, having been ranked inside the Top 10 and having pushed him to the brink on one of the game’s biggest stages. Though the two share an amicable relationship off the court—announcing they’ll play an off-season exhibition in Charlotte—the 21-year-old plans to be all business on the court come Friday.

“Frances, a great player, a great person as well. He always smiles,” remarked the equally affable Alcaraz. “He always seems like he's enjoying his time on the court, off the court as well. It's pretty impressive. Try to put a show every time he steps on the court, as well.

“It's going to be a really fun match to play, to watch. I'll try to put my good weapons on the match and try to beat him.”