Discover Frances Tiafoe's motivating journey to professional tennis

America’s Frances Tiafoe has revealed an interesting story about a difficult time during his early playing days. The 26-year-old is currently regarded as one of the best American players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category.

Tiafoe has been recently quoted in a report where he talked about difficulties in the early phase of his playing days. The reigning world number 18 revealed that his father did not like the fact that he was praised for his talent. Tiafoe also went on to explain that he started playing tennis because of his love for the sport.

“I just loved the game of tennis,” he said. “I loved how the ball sounded off the strings. I loved watching tennis . I loved the idea that you have to make a decision in two seconds. I remember when I was 11, I told my pops: "I think I'm going to be a pro." He was like, "Let's get through tomorrow. He never really liked when people say I'm talented because it's the work. You got to put yourself in those positions. You know, my mind was always bigger than where my feet were. He [his father] always told me that as a kid: "You need to believe things that people laugh at." I want to be in a position where I could pay it forward. I want to be in a position where I could see people who look like me play the game.”

Tiafoe has had a mixed season. He played 58 games, winning 32 games and suffering defeats on 26. The Maryland-born failed to win a single Grand Slam in 2024. His most impressive performance came in an ATP 1000 event in Cincinnati, where he finished as the runner-up after losing to the world number one Jannik Sinner in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-2.