“I mean right now, I just know who I am and know where I’m at mentally so now it’s just being able to go week in, week out,” Frances Tiafoe said this after making quite a few impressive runs in 2024. Last year, he reached the SF of the US Open and also made it to the final in Cincinnati. However, this year, the American star has struggled a bit to deliver in his previous tournaments. Although he started his campaign at the 2025 Mexican Open with a win, he’ll be now facing a tough challenge in the R16. Can he defeat the in-form Spanish star, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, in his next match?
Frances Tiafoe vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: Preview
Frances Tiafoe showcased a dominating performance in his previous match against Alexandre Muller. He defeated the Frenchman by 6-4,6-2 in the R32 clash. Can Tiafoe repeat a similar impressive performance against the Spaniard in the next match?
Aug 12, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Frances Tiafoe of the United States returns a ball to Gael Monfils of France (not pictured) at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina recently reached the final at the Delray Beach Open. He has been in good touch recently, but he did face a tough challenge from Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in the previous round. However, despite a bit of hiccup in the first set, Fokina managed to beat the Italian by 1-6,7-6(6),6-2.
Tiafoe vs Fokina: Head-to-Head
Frances Tiafoe has faced Alejandro Davidovich Fokina two times in his career so far. Currently, the American has a clear-cut 2-0 lead over the Spanish star in the H2H record.
2024 ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati R64: Tiafoe 6-3,7-6(6).
2022 Estoril QF: Tiaofe 7-6(5),5-7,7-5.
Prediction: Tiafoe to win in three sets
Frances Tiafoe loves playing on these surfaces, so beating him on hard courts won’t be easy. He’s currently ranked 18th in the world and has a win-loss record of 3-3. Although Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (48) has a better win-loss record (10-5) in the 2025 season, we’re still keeping the American slightly ahead in this mega duel. The reason, well, firstly, it’s because of Tiafoe’s dominance on hard courts, and secondly, his overall H2H record against Fokina. Apart from that, even his performance in the previous match was more impressive in comparison to Fokina’s match against Bellucci.
So, looking at these factors, we feel Tiafoe is the clear favorite to win this battle. Now, if we shift our focus to their playing styles, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina loves playing an aggressive brand of tennis. He’s known for his incredible drop shots and Fokina is also seen using his underarm serves to surprise his opponents during his matches. His quick movement along with powerful groundstrokes make him a real threat against any opponent. Apart from that, Fokina has a unique ability to hit excellent returns from difficult angles. He’s a pure entertainer on the court!
Frances Tiafoe is an aggressive offensive player who mainly relies on his big serves and powerful groundstrokes. His forehand shots usually carry a heavy topspin that is driven by an unusual arm motion. He has a very heavy forehand compared to his flat-bouncing backhand. Tiafoe is a good returner of the ball and he often prefers to hit the ball inside the baseline. Apart from that, even his athleticism is also quite exceptional. His game is perfect for this condition. However, we feel Fokina may throw a tough challenge in this match, but eventually, the American will have the last laugh yet again.
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