Former top 10 star returns to the Roland-Garros third round for the first time since 2019
© Corinne Dubreuil/FFTA decade on from his dream debut at Roland-Garros, David Goffin booked a third-round ticket in Paris for the first time since 2019.
The Belgian battled back 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-2, 6-4 against the gregarious Frances Tiafoe on Thursday.
The former world No.7 heads into the last 32 to meet 12th seed Hubert Hurkacz, who saw off 2018 semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato in straight sets.
The first game of the match set the tone for an entertaining encounter. Tiafoe jokingly ushering a Goffin shot long with his hands to curtail a top-drawer rally.
The Belgian scorched a forehand pass down the line, before Tiafoe rattled through some quick-fire points to head to the chair serenaded by a chorus of “walking in a Tiafoe wonderland” that echoed around the glorious greenhouse engulfing Court Simonne-Mathieu.
Stepping in and going full-tilt with corner-to-corner placement, world No.27 Tiafoe raced 3-1 ahead. The 24-year-old chalked up the opener just after with a smooth backhand drop shot.
Goffin was delivering tennis reminiscent of his three-set epic with Rafael Nadal in Madrid from earlier this month, where the Belgian had four match points erased in the enthralling decisive tiebreak.
He seized the second-set initiative against Tiafoe courtesy of some first-strike tennis.
Tiafoe, a finalist in Estoril in the build-up to Roland-Garros, hauled the experienced 31-year-old into the tiebreak. However, Goffin clicked up a couple of gears, surrendering just one point to level up.
The American was digging deep, fending off three break points in a mammoth 11-minute hold to start the third set. That served as a warning sign as Goffin’s efficiency and anticipation enabled the Belgian to soar a set in front.
Goffin’s clay-court IQ was telling, securing the pivotal break at 4-4 to close out a memorable win for the world No.48.
© Corinne Dubreuil/FFTGoffin is an expert at the transition play, advancing up the court to end points.
The Belgian managed to apply the pressure with 17/24 success rate at the net.
In contrast, with Tiafoe charging the net, Goffin’s accuracy was exceptional with 21 passing shot winners.
"It feels really great, because it was a tough battle, especially when you lose the first set, when you have to turn it around. That was the case, so it was a tough one. Physically was not easy, even if I was feeling great. At the end it's good that I managed to finish in four," said Goffin.
"But it was a great match, great match, great intensity. I'm very happy to be in third round again. Means a lot, of course. Like I said, I'm playing well for the moment. I'm feeling great. Physically, mentally, my tennis is there.
"So being in third round, it's not a surprise, I would say, if you see the last few weeks and months, but inside it is a small surprise. But I knew that I was able to do it again and it was a goal to go back to my best tennis. That's almost the case for the moment. So I'm very happy. I will try to continue and play another good match in the next round."
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
