World No. 349 Yosuke Watanuki expressed his astonishment after his victory over Frances Tiafoe with a score of 6-4, 7-6(6).
Watanuki’s presence in the Indian Wells 1/8 finals is remarkable, making him the lowest-ranked player to reach this stage since 2004, when No. 882 Tommy Haas achieved the same.
“I’m just speechless. I am very happy,” Watanuki said in an on-court interview. “Last year I missed a lot due to injury, and I am very happy to be back on court.”
The Japanese player also mentioned his collaboration with Wayne Ferreira, Tiafoe’s former coach.
“I played with him in Miami, and Wayne watched the match from Frances’ box. He knows Tiafoe well.”
“The most important thing in our work is that sometimes I get nervous, I slump psychologically, and we try to deal with it. I try to enjoy the game.”
