Frances Tiafoe is one of the top entertainers on the ATP Tour and in the sport of tennis in general and he would be happy if some things changed.
Tennis is a very traditional sport. Fans are supposed to keep quite during the rallies and they should also not move during the games, only during the changeovers. Compared to some other team sports, tennis is a very quiet and restricted sport for fans.
On the other hand, there are some players that like to engage with fans on the tennis court, and one of them is Frances Tiafoe, who said that he would like to change the game already in the past. The 25-year-old American approaches his matches differently than others and fans love it. Speaking to Forbes, he explained his approach to tennis.
"I am always going to be out there competing hard with a smile on my face bringing the crowd into it and making them feel a part of this crazy journey we call life. I think they are really enjoying that. I'm not putting that on for people, that is who I am. I love people being happy."
Current American No. 2 also suggested a change. He thinks that tennis fans should be able to speak and move around during matches, comparing it to the basketball game, which he has experience with as he played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
"I think fans should be able to come and go and move around and speak during matches. Imagine going to a basketball game and not saying anything. Let's start to change things to bring younger fans to the game."
Tiafoe is known also for his special celebrations and he spoke about those too.
"I am getting pumped up and I want the crowd [to get pumped up]. They spent hard-earned money to watch entertainment. I'm just doing me, just being me. I'm going to do me and do what helps me play my best."
Despite tennis being often very quiet, there are a few places that can get people going. Usually, night matches at Grand Slams are special and Tiafoe confirms that.
"There is nothing like Arthur Ashe at night. Arthur Ashe period, but Arthur Ashe at night. New York at night, everyone's drunk and the atmosphere, it is crazy."
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