OTW Extra Email Archive - August 2026
Notes from the Tour: "I will win this thing"...
Thursday 20th August 2026
“I am going to come back and I will win this thing one day”…
Those were the words of Frances Tiafoe after a gut-wrenching semi-final defeat at the US Open in 2022. Check out this clip from the on-court interview here.
The American has always worn his heart on his sleeve. The current world no.23 is a crowd-pleaser, an entertainer, a shot-maker… and he’s also a very, very good tennis player…
As with so many US names in the sport, the man they call Big Foe has always produced his best tennis when playing at home in the States.
Frances’ one ATP Tour hard-court title came at Delray Beach back in 2018. The biggest final of his career to date came in the USA, too – with a 100/1 runner-up finish on hard courts at the Cincinnati Masters in 2024…
He’s through to the quarter finals again in Cincinnati this week, from starting odds of 80/1 (now just 10/1 to go all the way; play continues tonight from 8pm UK time).
With his trademark headband in place, the righthander has regained focus in 2026, after a bit of soul-searching last year. Winning ATP Halle on grass this summer, for his first title win in three years.
The 28-year-old’s form in Ohio this week is also of note, as Tiafoe pulled out of a 3rd-round match in Montreal earlier this month. That mid-match retirement on 7th August now looks like a smart cautionary move, with doctors removing a cyst from his right hand. At the time, Frances told his fans: “I’ll be back soon.” And he’s been true to his word.
Let’s see if his 2022 US Open statement of, “I will win this thing one day” proves equally prophetic…
Because Tiafoe’s track record at the US Open in New York is significant…
100/1 home hero for the US Open…
Tiafoe has been as high as no.10 in the world before. But has managed just two quarter finals from 33 combined visits to the three other Grand Slams – Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.
In comparison, the current American no.5 has consistently delivered in recent times when rocking up in front of the noisy crowds at Flushing Meadows. Making week two (round of last 16 or better) in five of his last six campaigns in New York:
As we’ve noted before in this column, 28 is a good age for a tennis player to hit their prime. Frances Tiafoe could be on the cusp of something big in the USA this summer.
This week’s run in Cincinnati is certainly looking like excellent preparation for the upcoming trip to the Big Apple.
With continued fitness question marks over the men’s top two Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, now is the time to take Tiafoe at big prices for his home Grand Slam tournament…
In fact, Ones to Watch members are already on Frances Tiafoe for the US Open 2026. Backed at top prices of 150/1, 125/1, and 100/1, Each Way…
Not a member yet? Then follow these two suggestions today…
As I write, Betfred and BresBet are still offering odds of 100/1 Each Way for Tiafoe at the US Open – which starts next weekend, 30th August.
And to get ALL my US Open picks – including access to other early-bird selections already in the book…
Go here to join the club today >>
Enjoy the tennis…
Best wishes,
Oliver Upstone