Francis Tiafoe seems confident that he can upset Carlos Alcaraz

In 2022, Francis Tiafoe pushed Carlos Alcaraz to his limits in a five-set semifinal at the U.S. Open. Could the American recapture that magic and pull off an upset in their rematch at Wimbledon on Friday?

Tiafoe has been keeping an eye on the 21-year-old Spaniard. "I'm coming for [Alcaraz]," he said after defeating Croatian Borna Coric in straight sets in the second round on Wednesday, per David Kane of Tennis.com. The reigning Wimbledon champion doesn't seem too concerned.

"I'm going for him," Alcaraz said with a smile, via Kane. "I know that he's a really talented player, a really tough one and maybe even tougher here on grass with his style."

Alcaraz — No. 3 in the world — has plenty of reason to feel confident heading into the rematch. In 2024, he has posted a 26-6 record and won the French Open. Tiafoe, meanwhile, has registered a 13-14 record and fallen out of the top 10. 

However, The Athletic's Matthew Futterman reported that Tiafoe kept telling himself, "Better tennis is ahead of me," to rebuild his confidence. It appears the affirmation is starting to work.

Through the first two rounds of the tournament, the 26-year-old has recorded 22 aces and won 84% of his first serves.