Peter Gojowczyk defeated three Americans en route to his second final; however, standing in his way of the Delray Beach Open title was another American, Frances Tiafoe. The German should have had the advantage, he was the veteran and no one had been able to break his serve since Lukas Lacko did so in the first round. However, two variables would change the statistics in favor of the American.

Tiafoe's Road To The Final

Tiafoe defeated Matthew Ebden and Juan Martin Del Potro in the first two rounds respectively, two players that he lost to earlier this season. His next two opponents were the 2017 NextGen champion, Hyeon Chung and the 2017 Star of the Future, Denis Shapovalov. Those victories may explain the first variable, Tiafoe’s composure.

Photo Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images: Frances Tiafoe hits a backhand winner.
Photo Source: Michael Dodge/Getty Images: Frances Tiafoe hits a backhand winner.

Tiafoe came out sharp, serving well and playing with a purpose. In contrast, Gojowczyk was not serving well and seemed distracted by something. He served only thirty-three percent on his first serve, which made him vulnerable. Tiafoe took advantage of the low first serve percentage and broke the German twice. Down 0-5, the German was seen by the trainer and received treatment to his left thigh. The second variable was revealed, Gojowczyk was injured.

An injured player can be dangerous and while the injury distracts the injured party, it also distracts the opponent. Tiafoe had to maintain his focus at a critical juncture in the match, serving for the first set. The American demonstrated his improved mental fortitude and served out the first set without faltering.

Could Gojowczyk Mount A Comeback?

The second set was a much better start for the German; however, that quickly changed when Tiafoe broke to take a 2-1 lead. Surely, the American had taken control; however, Tiafoe lost his focus.

The prospect of winning his first title was now a reality and he got nervous. He served a string of double faults and was broken. Suddenly the dynamics of the match changed; at least it appeared that way. 

Photo Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images: Peter Gojowczyk hits a forehand shot.
Photo Source: Scott Barbour/Getty Images: Peter Gojowczyk hits a forehand shot.

However, the lapse in concentration was short–lived and Tiafoe promptly broke back to regain the lead when the German made four consecutive forehand errors. While Gojowczyk made some brilliant shots, his lack of confidence in his mobility and his game affected his consistency.

Photo Source: Peter Staples/ATP World Tour via Getty Images-Frances Tiafoe with his trophy.
Photo Source: Peter Staples/ATP World Tour via Getty Images-Frances Tiafoe celebrates his victory.

Tiafoe Grew In Confidence

Once he re-established his advantage, Tiafoe started to extend the rallies to further wear his opponent down; he incorporated drop shots and sliced the ball low to disrupt the German’s rhythm. Despite giving everything he had left, Gojowczyk could not wrestle control away from the American.

Tiafoe was determined to win his first title. If there were any nerves when he stepped up to serve for the match, Tiafoe did not let them distract him from his objective. He produced one of his more efficient service game to close out the match at secure the 6-1, 6-4 victory.

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About the author
Susan Regisford
I came to the U.S.A as a teenager to pursue my career in medicine. I am a board certified New York State physician. My career is in the medical field but I am passionate about writing, tennis, traveling and photography. To pursue my passions, I created my blog in 2014. I write about tennis and philosophical issues at www.serveandrally.com. You can find some of my original photographic works there as well. My articles have been published online at www.frontfootsports.com and www.enigmalife.com. I am still a part time practicing physician as well.