One small win for Frances Tiafoe was one giant leap of confidence for his emerging career. The 19-year-old American rallied for an impressive win over Rogers Cup champion Alexander Zverev at the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday and ended the German’s 10-match winning streak.

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Tiafoe was fully aware of his accomplishment. After match point, he celebrated with passion, “raising the roof” and leading his sideline with boisterous cheers.

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Despite coming into Cincinnati with a 5-24 career record on the ATP tour (3-12 in 2017), Tiafoe has been marked as one of America’s best young potential stars. The signature win puts him in pole position to be the most likely future face of American tennis.

The stocky Maryland native has outstanding strength and quickness, but it was his determination to go after the win that made the difference.

“I let him big boy me,” Tiafoe told Tennis Channel afterward in reference to his two previous losses to Zverev. “I let him dictate play.”

The first set belonged to Zverev, who looked to be in cruise control with loopy strokes and easygoing power.

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That’s when Tiafoe dug in. At 3-2, he won a thrilling exchange that included two effective slices, a stab lob and a Zverev tweener. Tiafoe picked up his energy, and his opponent struggled on weary legs.

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About the only thing that went wrong was when Tiafoe’s necklace broke. His concentration proved stronger.

It won’t get easier with veteran John Isner preparing to halt Tiafoe’s momentum. But the young man’s blaze of glory will expand as he matures into a more consistent and dangerous player. He’s already bringing the excitement.

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Tiafoe raises roof
with huge upset of
Alexander the Great

Tiafoe raises roof with huge upset of Alexander the Great

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