"My father never liked when people said I'm talented" - Frances Tiafoe emotionally looks back on his humble beginnings and journey

Frances Tiafoe recently reflected on his humble beginnings and tennis journey in an emotional video. He turned professional in 2015 and won his first ATP title three years later in 2018 at the Delray Beach Open.

Tiafoe finished his 2024 tennis season after competing at the Paris Masters, where he was defeated in the first round by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Since then, the American has been enjoying his time away from the court.

Recently, Tiafoe and his family spoke with Yonex Tennis, his tennis equipment sponsor. In the video, the former World No.10 expressed that he has loved the game of tennis from the very beginning. He revealed that at 11 years old, he told his father, Constant (also known as Frances Sr.) Tiafoe, that he wanted to play tennis professionally.

Tiafoe pointed out that his father did not like when people told him that he was a good player because of talent, as his father attributes his success not to talent, but to hard work.

“I just loved the game of tennis. 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," Tiafoe said.

Frances Tiafoe said that he hoped to serve as a role model for aspiring athletes and also wanted to inspire more Black people to pursue tennis as a career

“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," he added.

Frances Tiafoe: “Tennis is definitely a gift, I've been able to take care of my family so I've been a blessed dude"

Frances Tiafoe speaking at a press conference [Image Source: Getty Images]

In the aforementioned video, Frances Tiafoe expressed that people supporting him and cheering him on during matches are something he will never take for granted.

“I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be doing a lot of things I've done. People'll be screaming my name and wanting to be like me . I don't take those things for granted . Tennis is definitely a gift," Frances Tiafoe said.

The former World No. 10 also stated that tennis has been a blessing in his life which has enabled him to look after his family

“I'm still writing the story so I got a lot more things I want to do, but tennis is definitely a gift. I've been able to take care of my family so I've been a blessed dude," he added.

Looking ahead, Frances Tiafoe will kick off his 2025 season at the Brisbane International which will begin on December 30, 2024, and go on till January 6, 2025. His last appearance at the ATP 250 hard court tournament was in 2018, where he was defeated in the first round by Matthew Ebden.

​