Frances Tiafoe is out of Indian Wells – and the man who beat him took an unlikely route to victory
The American was stunned in straight sets by World No. 349 Yosuke Watanuki on Sunday night and in the process, some history was made.
Watanuki was all smiles in his upset 6-4, 7-6 (6) victory over Tiafoe as he disappointed the home crowd and secured the biggest win of his career.
The Japanese qualifier has made the most of his time at Indian Wells so far as before his win over Tiafoe, he also upset Alexander Bubilk before beating 19th seed Tomas Machac (via retirement).
With 47 winners, 16 aces and four break points saved, Watanuki put up an aggressive performance as he twice stopped Tiafoe from serving out the second set.
Even in the tie-break Watanuki was calm as he fought off a set point at 5/6 and won three straight points to seal his win.
Watanuki’s victory also created history as his ranking of 349 makes him the lowest-ranked man to reach the fourth of Indian Wells than Tommy Haas in 2005.
“The most [important] thing about me, sometimes I’m a little bit nervous, sometimes I’m feeling down with the mentality,” Watanuki told reporters.
“I try to enjoy more, even when I miss. A winner is much better, but even the miss I enjoy. That was the beauty here for me today.”
Nothing demonstrated how much Watanuki was enjoying his time on centre court more then when he downed a Pepsi when being down a break at 5-4 in the second set.
Tennis players are no strangers to asking for an energy boost midway through matches – some of which can last up to five hours and beyond.
Bananas are the most common, while water and energy drinks are usually taken on board – so Watanuke’s request to the chair umpire for a can of fizzy drink was a little out of the ordinary.
@TENNISTVYosuke Watanuki hilariously asked if he could drink Pepsi during his match[/caption]
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A ball boy returned from the fridges with Watanuke’s request and the 26-year-old continue on his way to a straight sets triumph.
His win over Tiafoe has been months in the making, the former world No.72 has seen his ranking plummet amid struggles with injuries that caused him to miss the bulk of last season.
An issue with the tendinitis in his left knee was the source and it killed his biggest dream of playing at the Olympics last year.
“For me a really big part [of my goals for the year] was the Olympic Games. I really wanted to play and that was also last year,” Watanuki told the ATP before his match with Tiafoe.
“It was quite tough. I couldn’t play, I couldn’t try because I didn’t play tournaments. That was the most tough situation for me.”
Nevertheless Monday’s win over Tiafoe left the Japanese overwhelmed with the emotion of the occasion and he could not contain it during his post-match interview.
“I’m speechless. I can’t find my words but I’m so happy to be here.” said Watanuki who will rise at least 137 places in the updated world rankings.
“I got injured last year, so I’m happy just to stay on the court.”
Back-to-back top 20 victories have now put Watanuke within touching distance of reaching the quarter-finals.
Although in his way is Tallon Griekspoor, another giant-killer, who in the first round beat world No.2 Alexander Zverev.
