He has not won a title in 2025, has a 26-22 win-loss record, and has slipped to No. 29 in the world rankings.
Tiafoe was seeded eighth at this week’s Japan Open and was the favourite in his opening match against qualifier Marton Fucsovics.
But he came out second best in a tight contest, losing 3-6 6-1 7-5 to world No. 58 Fucsovics.
Tiafoe showed how he felt about the loss as he smashed his racquet on the court after losing.
After destroying the racquet he shook hands with Fucsovics, who was waiting for him at the net.
You can watch the video above.
Tiafoe’s defeat follows a third-round loss to Jan-Lennard Struff at the US Open and defeat in both of his singles matches against the Czech Republic in Davis Cup qualifying.
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Watch: Top 5 points from 2025 Laver Cup
Video credit: TNT Sports
He recently described his season as “average at best”.
“And I didn’t have a couple of big results that I normally have every year. I have a chance to end strong and put some things together. But ultimately, it’s been a very up-and-down year.
“A year ago, I was one set away from making the (US Open) final. I think from that point you gotta keep standing. Not playing with enough hunger. You gotta prove it each and every week in tennis, and I think that’s something I haven’t been doing.
“This year, I played nervous. Not at the level I’m capable of.”
Tiafoe also said he is motivated by the challenge of trying to close the gap on the two runaway leaders of the ATP Tour – Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
“There’s a couple more guys who’ve got to join them. I’m not saying beat them, but there’s got to be (other) guys – and that motivates me,” said Tiafoe.
“I’m like, yo, who’s that third guy? Who’s that fourth guy? Novak (Djokovic) doesn’t count. He’s 40. I love him, but doesn’t count. He’s 40. He’s a GOAT, he’s the best player of all time. He’s not with those guys.
“Who is that other guy or two to be there and maybe beat these guys? That would be the quote-unquote Novak and (Andy) Murray – before Novak went and did what he did.
“Who are those guys? And there’s a bunch of guys who can be that guy, right? So that’s really motivating me. It’s like, ‘See big picture.’ That’s motivating.”
