Frances Tiafoe didn’t mince words when asked about the scheduling format of the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto. The American tennis star expressed clear dissatisfaction with the tournament’s structure, calling it “garbage” during a press conference following his Citi Open quarterfinal loss to Ben Shelton.
Unusual Format Raises Eyebrows
The Canadian Open has extended its schedule to span from July 26 to August 7, with the final oddly placed on a Thursday. Tiafoe criticized this change, noting that while the event is shorter than others like Madrid or Rome, the midweek final disrupts rhythm and preparation. “Weird because the final is on a Thursday. That’s garbage,” he said bluntly.
This is what he said:
““It is what it is. I like that it’s a bit shorter than Madrid, Rome. Weird because the final is on a Thursday. That’s garbage.
But yeah, I mean, I guess I’m ready to get going and see how that goes. The 10-day events are tough, but I think it will be easier since I’m so close to the States. Something goes wrong, I’m a quick flight home. “It’s not like when I’m stuck in Europe and playing on red clay and people speaking different languages and s—. It’s better to kind of be in the States, so for sure, I’m really happy. Hopefully put up some good results going into the Open. That’s kind of what matters.”
Relief in Proximity to Home
Despite his criticism, Tiafoe acknowledged one silver lining: the tournament’s location. Being in Toronto means he’s just a short flight from home in the United States. He emphasized how much easier it is to compete in North America compared to Europe, where language barriers and unfamiliar environments add stress. “Something goes wrong, I’m a quick flight home,” he noted.
Looking Ahead to the US Open
Tiafoe’s focus now shifts to the US Open, where he hopes to build momentum. After a mixed season that included a finals appearance in Houston and a quarterfinal run at Roland Garros, he’s aiming for a strong showing in New York. The Canadian Open serves as a key warm-up, even if its scheduling quirks leave him unimpressed.
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Frances Tiafoe in 2025
22 – 21win/loss
11
High
10
27 year old
WWLWWLLWLL
Ranked no.11, Tiafoe played his last match on the 27th of July when he beat Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Toronto (draw).
At the moment, during this season the American has a compiled 20-16 record. Frances Tiafoe’s best result of this season was getting to the final in Houston.
