Frances Tiafoe will return to the purple clay of the River Oaks Membership in 2026. The 2023 US Clay champion, Tiafoe has completed as runner-up in every of the previous two editions of the match.
He was defeated within the 2025 remaining by fellow American Jenson Brooksby.
The ATP Tour’s solely clay courtroom match in North America will likely be held in Houston March 28 – April 5. 2024 champion Ben Shelton can also be signed as much as play the occasion.
“Frances has change into such a fan favourite right here over his a few years enjoying at River Oaks,” stated Match Director Bronwyn Greer in a press release. “I believe quite a lot of us really feel like we’ve grown up with him since he got here right here as an adolescent 10 years in the past. Lots of our followers have loved following his profession over the previous decade, however the spotlight is unquestionably when he’s enjoying US Clay, and we’re delighted he’s dedicated to creating that an annual occasion.”
Extra on Tiafoe’s return to River Oaks from the match:
Solely the third participant within the Open Period to succeed in three consecutive US Clay finals (additionally Andy Roddick, 2021-05, and Andres Gomez, 1983-86), Tiafoe boasts a 13-6 document on the occasion. During the last three seasons, he’s 10-2 at River Oaks. The one place he has received extra matches throughout that point is the US Open, the place he’s gone 11-3 with a pair of quarterfinals.
Ten-time ATP finalist Tiafoe has received three titles on tour. The previous world No.10 lately parted methods with coach David Witt after a season that noticed him attain the final eight at Roland-Garros, however fail to make a deep run at Flushing Meadows, the place he’s a two-time US Open semifinalist.
Tiafoe is now coached by former world No.4 Todd Martin.
