I like to think about how a player's actual performance compares to how they're perceived and/or notoriety. I feel like Frances Tiafoe is spoken off--in terms of how frequently and how well--as if he was a better player than he's actually been. People talk about him like he's been a consistent second tier type - a Berdych or Tsonga - and often in the mix as a darkhorse. Maybe this is because he is one of the better Americans of the last decade; maybe its because he was a highly regarded prospect a decade ago; maybe its because he has a big, likable personality. Probably a combination of all of the above.
I was a bit surprised to note that he's only played in the final of a big event once: Cincinnati two years ago, when he lost to Sinner. He's only won four titles, and just his first 500 this year at Halle. He briefly reached #10 a few years ago, but has been more of a consistent top 20-30 guy. He's comparable to someone like Roberto Bautista Agut, but with more deepish Slam runs but fewer titles.
Anyhow, I can't shake the sense that he could win a Masters - that his darkhorse status is legit. But...as I said, I think this is Arthur Fils' to lose, and Foe might not get past the red-hot Nakashima.
