"This is why I do it" - Frances Tiafoe pleased after priceless reaction from young fan upon receiving his autograph
Frances Tiafoe was delighted to witness a genuine and joyful reaction from a young girl after the American signed an autograph for her.
Tiafoe is one of the fans' favorite players on tour. His charm and quirkiness are adored by his followers all over the world. The American finds time to click selfies and sign autographs for his fans after almost every match.
On Wednesday, Tiafoe took to social media to express his pleasure at making the young girl happy by signing a tennis ball for her. Acknowledging the unparalleled joy on the girl's face, the World No. 15 pointed out that it is for such priceless reactions that he takes time to engage with his supporters.
"This is why I do it," wrote Tiafoe on his Instagram story.
Tiafoe was last seen in action at the Dallas Open. He registered a comprehensive win against compatriot Mackenzie McDonald in the Round of 16. However, the American was denied a deep run in the tournament as he suffered a heartbreaking defeat in three sets at the hands of J.J. Wolf in the quarterfinals.
The 25-year-old's start to the 2023 season has been sub-standard. Despite the high expectations, he suffered an early exit at the Australian Open. He crashed out of the Melbourne Major in just the third round, losing to Karen Khachanov.
It is never boring watching Frances Tiafoe play tennis, says Mark Petchey
Despite currently undergoing a rough patch on tour, Frances Tiafoe earned effusive praise from former tennis player Mark Petchey as he stated that it is "never boring" to watch the American play tennis.
In a conversation on The Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Petchey revealed his admiration for the 2018 Delray Beach Open champion. He stated that Tiafoe is one of his favorite players on tour.
"It's never boring watching Frances play tennis. He's one of my favorites," Petchey said.
Petchey opined that Tiafoe dominated proceedings against Khachanov at the Australian Open and that he just found it hard to deal with the quick shift in momentum.
"I don't know if there's another sport that has the wild momentum swings tennis has. When he was playing at the back end of the fourth set, there was nothing that told me we won't go into a 5th... He was playing so well, he was dominating... Before we knew it, it was over," the 52-year-old explained.
Despite failing to impress at the Grand Slam Down Under, Frances Tiafoe climbed four spots from where he was at the start of the season. He is currently ranked No. 15.