Frances Tiafoe got the better of Flavio Cobolli in the third round of Indian Wells, turning the tables just over a week after falling to him in the Acapulco final.
This time around, Tiafoe made it look comfortable, moving into the fourth round of the ATP Masters 1000 event with a 6-1, 6-2 win.
His game has picked up noticeably since teaming up with coach Mark Kovacs before the Australian season got underway.
Tiafoe parted ways with David Witt last October after a tough year that saw his ranking drop to No. 30.
After his win against Cobolli, the 28-year-old spoke about where things stand now between him and Witt.
Frances Tiafoe reflects on David Witt relationship after their split
During the Mexican Open, Tiafoe came up against fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic, who is now working with Witt.
When asked if it felt strange playing someone coached by his former mentor, Tiafoe replied: “It was great. I think my emotion probably after it was probably more just to pump up and send D. Witt home (smiling).
“Me and David are super close. Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, we talk football during football season nonstop. Even after it, we have a really, really great relationship.
“Obviously, it sucks, you know, I made the decision I did, because personally I really, really rate him. I think he’s a great guy. We were on a team, and we had a great relationship.
“Obviously, you have seen the great things he’s been doing with Kova. Kova’s been playing great. Great start in Australia and then a couple great wins here, and easily could have beat me.
“But it was great, and he still brings it up. He’s definitely still salty about that, which is great.”
Frances Tiafoe’s next opponent at the Indian Wells Open
Next up for Frances Tiafoe at the Indian Wells Open is a tough challenge against Alexander Zverev.
Tiafoe has struggled in their head-to-head, winning just once in nine meetings. That lone victory came back in 2017 at the Cincinnati Open.
Zverev has won all six of their matches since then, with his most recent win coming at the 2024 Laver Cup. They’ll now face off again, with a spot in the Indian Wells quarterfinals on the line.
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