David Goffin had Frances Tiafoe at the previous grand slam tournament – so Roland Garros – already blocked the way, but on grass the dynamic American might have had an advantage on paper.
In the first set the tone was set for the entire match: the difference between the two titans was extremely small, but in the tiebreak Goffin was able to deliver the first blow.
Set 2 and 3 were a copy of each other, unfortunately not in the right way for Goffin. Tiafoe went through his opponent’s service at 5-5 and was able to serve it out.
Goffin couldn’t take any more stitches now. Tiafoe seemed to let it go quickly with a 5-2 deficit, but after a fierce remonte it was a bit of a shock for Goffin, who eventually didn’t let the 4th set go.
In the final set, you could barely tell the difference between the two gladiators with the naked eye. At 5-5, the scenario of sets 2 and 3 seemed to repeat itself as Goffin appeared to trail 0-40. But thanks to hawkeye it was not 0-40 but 15-30 and with a few good serves Goffin got himself out of trouble.
Then Goffin served his opponent 7 years younger a taste of his own medicine. A sloppy game by Tiafoe cost him dearly.
In the quarterfinals, his 2nd at Wimbledon after 2019, Goffin will play against British chouchou Cameron Norrie, the number 12 in the world.
–
“Sorry for making you wait so long for the next match,” David Goffin began his post-match interview with a joke.
“It was a huge fight. I had to be mentally alert to stay in the match. I was always tested. But the atmosphere on Court 2 was incredible.”
“I’m happy to be here in the quarter-finals again. I’ve had a difficult year, with some injuries. That’s why this victory means a lot to me. I have found my best level again.”
–
