College Park, Maryland-based player Francis Tiafoe has set a record as the youngest boys’ singles champion at the recently concluded Orange Bowl International. Tiafoe, 15 years of age, defeated Stefan Kozlov of Pembroke Pines, Floria 7-6, 0-6, 6-3 in what was the first all-American boys’ final since 2004. In the tournament’s 67-year history, it was the first time that a pair of 15-year olds competed for the prestigious title.
“Before serving, I was like, ‘I’m just going to hit it as hard as I can down the T. It doesn’t matter where it goes.’ I hit it as hard as I can, and it was probably the best serve I hit the whole match. It was unbelievable,” Tiafoe said, about his ace serve at match point. “I didn’t know what to do. I was too excited. I, like, slammed it. I never slammed a racket from excitement before.”
Kozlov’s junior ranking will rise to world number five by year’s end while Tiafoe’s ranking surges from number 35 to 7.
“I’ve had a really tough week, played some long matches. My body’s obviously not fully grown yet, and that’s going to be a huge role the next time you guys see me. I’m going to be a lot stronger, and this won’t happen again,” said Kozlov. “He’s in really good shape. I think if I played someone else, we would have been both dying.
“I don’t mind losing to him, because he’s a great player. But I’ll get some revenge later.”
