He addressed Etcheverry during the trophy ceremony, saying:
“I don’t know you that well, but I know you real well after today. It was an absolute war and an unbelievable final. I hope you guys [in the crowd] all enjoyed it, because that’s what it’s about.”
He also enjoyed the support of the crowd throughout the match.
“My second title, here in Houston on U.S. soil, so thank you!” he said.
He went into Houston as the top-seeded player for the first time in his professional career. The tournament was affected by rain delay and Tiafoe had to complete all his matches in just two days. He won two matches on Saturday.
The American only dropped on serve and did not lose a set en route to his win.
The match lasted 1 hour and 53 minutes and showed off Tiafoe’s impressive shot making.
Tiafoe will rise in the rankings to World 11, a career-high rank for the American.
Etcheverry had been seeking his first ATP Tour title after he lost to Nicolas Jarry in the final of Santiago. But the 2nd place finish in Houston does see him rise in the ATP rankings. He is expected to move up 14 places to Number 59.