Frances Tiafoe: I Measure Success By How Many People You Bless

Frances Tiafoe enjoyed his greatest event a year ago at the US Open, beating Rafael Nadal before losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.

Despite facing the pressure of defending that result, the 25-year-old Tiafoe and can’t wait to get back on court, and he won’t have to wait long as he’ll play Monday.

“Everyone’s pretty excited to come out watch me play,” Tiafoe said. “Everyone wants to see me do well. Obviously there’s a level of expectation. But ultimately I’m just ready to have a good run and play tennis at a high level. This is one of the places where I can actually enjoy playing generally. It’s just fun. It’s super fun out here. Atmosphere is crazy.”

One thing Tiafoe can’t get over is the attention that comes with success.

“As far as these kids, man, these messages, it’s crazy. I go around at some tournaments, even back home practicing, these little kids come up crying, We’ve been waiting to meet you. I want to be just like you. You’re the reason I started the game, da, da, da.

“That is stuff that means a lot. I put in a lot of time, hard work. Some people think I’m out here joking around, whatever. But kids see life in me. They see the game is cool to play because of me. It’s a cool place to be in. It’s cool to feel like you’re inspiring people.

“I measure success how many people you bless. So I feel like I’m doing a good thing.”

Tiafoe could face Casper Ruud in the fourth round and Tommy Paul or Holger Rune in the quarters.

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