Frances Tiafoe has given an in-depth and candid interview with Vogue, talking about his breakthrough 2022 season and the moment he truly felt like one of the world's best.
"I go out there, and Novak [Djokovic] just snips me," says Tiafoe, speaking about the Laver Cup this September.
"But I got myself together the next day, and I beat Stef. That was the moment. I was like, Yeah, I’m here. I’d beaten him before, but that moment, the high stakes, that was it. More than beating Rafa at the US Open, actually. When it happened, I thought, Okay, I’ve taken it to the next level, where I’m one of the best players in the world. Full stop".
The 24 year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful year, making it to the semi-finals of his home major at the US Open - beating Nadal on the way - and clinching a famous victory for Team World at the Laver Cup.
But the young American from Maryland wants more, and believes he will get there.
"In 2023, the goal is to win a Slam. And to be honest with you," he says, "I really want to win a title. I haven’t since I was 20. It’s been a while. I’ve gotten to finals, but I haven’t finished the job on Sunday".
Big Foe, as he is affectionately named, gained undeniable momentum during the second half of this season, with many now touting him as a player who can disrupt things at the very top of the game. Tiafoe himself is keen to keep that momentum going through to next year.
"I want to be peaking physically, mentally, and emotionally, game-wise, going into the Slams in 2023. That might mean playing a bit less in between, to be fully focused," Tiafoe says. "I like playing in the big moments. I don’t run away from those. I go to them. But it’s time to fully do the job".
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