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Frances Tiafoe loses to World No. 349 (and his ex-coach)

Yosuke Watanuki upset Frances Tiafoe in the third round at Indian Wells.
Pat Benson|
Frances Tiafoe reacts during his loss to Yosuke Watanuki on Stadium 1 during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Frances Tiafoe reacts during his loss to Yosuke Watanuki on Stadium 1 during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., on Sunday, March 9, 2025. | Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The vibes surrounding Frances Tiafoe on Sunday night were strong. The American tennis star was playing in front of a friendly crowd on a cool desert night at Indian Wells.

Tiafoe had taken part in a larger-than-life activation for lululemon and was well-positioned to advance to the fourth round in the BNP Paribas Open.

Even before the match, the 16-seed Tiafoe joked about forgetting his tennis rackets again. However, his unseeded opponent, World No. 349 Yosuke Watanuki, was ready for the biggest match of his career.

Watanuki defeated Tiafoe in straight sets: 6-4, 7-6(6). The Japanese qualifier hit 47 winners, 16 aces, and saved four break points. Compounding his stellar play, Tiafoe was not himself during the upset.

Adding insult to injury, Watanuki is coached by Wayne Ferreira. Tiafoe and Ferreira parted ways in December 2023 after three years together. Last night's victory was a win for Watanuki and Ferreira.

Watanuki defeated 19-seed Tomas Machac before upsetting Tiafoe and will rise at least 137 places in the updated world rankings. "I'm speechless. I can't find my words, but I'm so happy to be here," said Watanuki.

Watanuki's Cinderella story will only become more challenging going forward. The 26-year-old faces unseeded No. 43 Tallon Griekspoor in the fourth round on Tuesday, March 11.

Meanwhile, Tiafoe falls to 5-5 on the season and will prepare for the Miami Open next week. It is still early in the ATP calendar, but Tiafoe has yet to win back-to-back matches this year.

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More Tennis News

Watch Frances Tiafoe's funny reaction after forgetting his rackets at Indian Wells.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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