Frances Tiafoe: 'I Didn't Choose Tennis, It Chose Me'

| by Zlatko Vodenicharov

Frances Tiafoe is finally doing what many predicted him to do years ago and he's having a lot of fun in the process.

Frances Tiafoe always approached tennis as a game first rather than a job. It might have cost him a few trophies along the way but the American still managed to book a spot in the Top 10 on the ATP Tour, proving that he always belonged there.

There are plenty of dreams he wants to make true in the future but having fun while doing it is still something that he highlights as very important. Besides that, the American highlights the importance of hard work which is necessary for any type of success.

Whatever you’re doing, you have to have fun while doing it. Hard work is super important and if you have an opportunity, you have to grab it with both hands. You must enjoy what you’re doing and even if you don’t, do it like you love it – you never want to feel like you’re working a day in your life.

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Tiafoe has had more success this year than in previous years having won trophies. He won Houston earlier this year and then added a trophy on the grass in Stuttgart recently. It's been fun for him but more importantly, he's shown that even somebody who came from relatively humble beginnings can get it done. Proving that and becoming an inspiration to many is something he cherishes.

At the end of the day, I want kids to look at me and feel like they can do something – I didn’t come from much at all and now I’m able to get into the top 10 and play at the highest level and play all the Grand Slams so anything is possible.

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Part of inspiring is being able to show young people around the world that it's possible. Being able to look to up people like LeBron James or the Williams sisters was huge for Tiafoe so he wants to contribute to that. He wants to represent.

Everybody grows up looking up to somebody and everybody crosses someone that changes their life, whether that be mom, dad, sportsperson, actor. I think representation is hugely important. Obviously, I looked up to LeBron James but the Williams sisters as well. Being so young and watching them play Grand Slam finals on the TV, I would always think, wow – if they did it why can’t I?

Now to say I have a relationship with those guys is super cool and everyone needs a little boost to remind you of why you want to do something. I look at them (the Williams sisters) as the perfect example - they changed the culture of tennis, and the game will never be played the same as when those guys played. I hope I make that same kind of impact!

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