Family sacrifices

Tiafoe’s father, Constant Tiafoe, emigrated to the United States in 1993. Better known as Francis Andrews Tiafoe, he was joined three years later by his wife, Alphina, who was fleeing civil war. When Frances was one year old, in 1999, his father worked as a labourer, helping to build the Junior Tennis Champions Centre, on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. After its completion, he took a job as a custodian of the centre and lived on site, with
Frances and his twin brother Franklin in tow.

His father arranged for his sons to have lessons for free – they could not have afforded them otherwise – and Tiafoe soon caught the attention of the coaches, who loved his ability and his willingness to work.

Seeing what his parents did for them – his mother worked night shifts as a nurse – Tiafoe knew he was fortunate to be playing tennis. And though life in general was tough, the American believes his background was integral to his development.

“The early years were difficult,” Tiafoe says. “We didn’t have much and myself and my family had no experience in the tennis world. But now, looking back I think those difficult times have shaped me into the man and the tennis player I am today.

“My parents have always taught me to be polite, humble, and never take anything for granted. I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today, I’ve made so many sacrifices, my whole family has, so it’s really rewarding to be in the position I am now. I’m so grateful and I’m going to keep that perspective. It’s what inspires me and what drives me. I want to be an example to the next generation and I want to show them what’s possible, no matter where you start.”