Frances Tiafoe always comes to life on the North American hard courts, and 2026 is no exception. The 28-year-old kicked his summer into high gear in Cincinnati, where he defeated Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 to reach his second final in the Queen City.
“It feels pretty damn good,” Tiafoe said. “It’s been a great week.”
Tiafoe will face France’s Arthur Fils, with the winner to emerge as a first-time Masters 1000 champion.
Their second career meeting will also be the first Masters final contested by two black players.
What should we expect on Sunday?
“A hell of a show, and hopefully a W with it,” Tiafoe said.
“He’s a helluva player. Moves great, serves great. He has the shotmaking [ability]. He’s going to want it, he’s going to be pumped up, and so am I. May the best man win.”
Tiafoe saved three set points in the opening set against Nakashima, and he took charge in the third set with a break for 3-2 that he never relinquished.
He improves to 7-1 against Nakashima, who was bidding to reach back-to-back Masters after an incredible summer that has seen him go 16-5 overall. Despite the loss, he will make his Top 20 debut on Monday and head to Flushing Meadows as a player to watch.
Tiafoe will stick around and face 22-year-old Fils for the second time. In March he lost to the Frenchman in the third round at Miami, 7-6(11), 5-7, 6-2.
Fils and Tiafoe now sit at No.11 and No.12 in the live rankings.