Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz played out an exciting clash at the Charlotte Invitational, with the former emerging victorious.
Tiafoe and Alcaraz have a great relationship, which was certainly evident on the court in the post-season event.
Alcaraz is proud of his season, although he goes into his break with a defeat after Tiafoe won their clash 5-7, 6-1, 11-9.
A packed-out Spectrum Center hosted the exhibition, where WTA Tour stars Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens also went face-to-face.
Keys won their all-American meeting 7-5, 6-3, with Tiafoe ensuring further home success, although Alcaraz was given an extremely warm welcome in Charlotte.
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty ImagesFrances Tiafoe shocked during his Charlotte Invitational win v Carlos Alcaraz
The pair met once on the ATP Tour in 2024, with the Spaniard beating the American in the Wimbledon third round before going on to lift the trophy.
And despite the friendly nature of their latest clash, Tiafoe was relieved to overcome Alcaraz, saying on court: “It’s nice to get this guy out the way. It was time he lost some matches every once in a while.
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“It was unbelievable. I’ve never been to Charlotte to play out here. I hope you guys enjoyed it, me and Carlos tried to put on a show for you guys.”
Further discussing the 16,200 spectators, he said: “This was amazing, I really wasn’t expecting this, to pack this out.
“It’s incredible and I hope more and more tennis can get played here in Charlotte, y’all love your tennis and again I hope you guys enjoyed tonight, we did everything we could, so I appreciate it.”
What is the head-to-head record between Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz?
Tiafoe is rightfully delighted to have beaten four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, even though no ATP ranking points were on the line.
Both players definitely tried to put on a show, but were likely not giving 100% after very busy and physically demanding seasons.
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But it may just give the American confidence to help level his ATP head-to-head record with the Spaniard.
It currently sits at 2-1 in favour of Alcaraz, who beat Tiafoe at the 2022 US Open after the latter beat the former in Barcelona in 2021.
YearWinnerEventRoundSurface2024Carlos AlcarazWimbledonRound of 32Outdoor Grass2022Carlos AlcarazUS OpenSemifinalOutdoor Hard2021Frances TiafoeBarcelonaRound of 64Outdoor ClayCarlos Alcaraz v Frances Tiafoe head-to-head
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