HOUSTON, September 26, 2019 (Press Release)

Frances Tiafoe will return to the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in 2020. The 21-year-old American is the first player confirmed to participate in the April 4-12 tournament at River Oaks Country Club.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to go back to Houston,” Tiafoe said. “It’s one of my favorite cities in America. I’m ready to put on a show for you guys!”

Tiafoe is the No. 3 American in the ATP Rankings. He reached the Australian Open quarterfinal early in the 2019 season, becoming the youngest American to reach that round at a Grand Slam event since 20-year-old Andy Roddick at Wimbledon in 2003.

Tiafoe earned his first career title in 2018 at Delray Beach, again being the youngest to do so since Roddick, who won US Clay as a 19-year-old in 2002.

This will be Tiafoe’s fourth appearance at River Oaks. He is 1-3 in singles while having also reached the doubles final in 2017 and semifinal in 2018.

“Frances is an exciting player, and he has always been extremely popular at River Oaks,” said Tournament Director Bronwyn Greer. “We’re thrilled he’ll be returning in 2020. We look forward to any opportunity to showcase American players as well as NextGen talent who will be at the top of the game for many years to come.”

Additional entrants to the 28-player field will be announced in the coming months, with the initial entry list of 20 players due to be released in late February.