Frances Tiafoe had a year that felt like a marathon with no finish line in sight. 2024 was a grind. The US Open, his home Slam, offered a glimmer of hope, a surge of energy that carried him to the semifinals. But that bright spot was quickly overshadowed by a string of disappointing early exits, in 5 out of 6 tournaments! Yet, strangely, it wasn’t the lack of trophies that truly frustrated Tiafoe. No, the real sting came at the end of the year, when the holiday season, a time for joy and relaxation, became a prisoner of his demanding schedule.
On Saturday, the popular YouTube channel from skater Natalia Zabiiako and WTA pro Daria Kasatkina dropped a new vlog. It featured various ATP and WTA names sharing their feelings ahead of a new season. The clip unleashed candid moments from the last month of 2024 where most players were seen preparing to enter year-end events to kickstart their 2025 schedule. Among them was also Frances Tiafoe, who was getting ready to step on the court with Brisbane International. When asked if he was actually happy to begin his season with this tournament down under, Tiafoe didn’t mince his words. Seems like he didn’t want to be there – but why?
“I hate leaving on Christmas Day. I think it’s a joke. But the fact that the tournament can start on Sunday, it’s crazy to, like, I love, I love being away from tennis, like, I love, like, being a friend. I feel like I’m a very normal guy,” he revealed. At a time when Christmas vibes were all over the place, he didn’t want to be in Brisbane. Rather “I like my friends, my family, my cousins, like, to hang out and just be normal. I really enjoy that.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
But Tiafoe, who “fell in love with tennis when I understood the one-on-one competition,” as he said in a love letter to tennis in 2023, then admitted, “I’m excited for Australian Open. But I’m definitely not, like, ‘I can’t wait to get to Brisbane’.”
via Reuters Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 1, 2024 Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. reacts during his first round match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Well, the hectic and packed tennis calendar is something Tiafoe can’t do much about. Speaking of his return to action, the American’s campaign at Brisbane got over a few days ago. After defeating Australia’s Adam Walton 7-6(5), 6-3 in the first round, he failed to generate a challenge against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The World No.30 didn’t give him much opportunities and eventually took the match with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6(4).
Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe‘s eyes are now set on the first major down under and to make an impression in 2025. He’s not worried about the competition, especially the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’ firepower going into 2025 season did not bother Frances Tiafoe
In the last week of 2024, when Tiafoe arrived in Brisbane to participate in the ATP 250 event, he also revealed what’s on his mind for the new season. Reflecting on the past year, while looking forward, he said, “Yeah, it’s great. It’s been great to come back. I haven’t played here since I was 20 years old…It’s great to be back in the city of Brisbane. They really love their tennis here. It’s a great event, been around for such a long time. A lot of great champions have won here, so…Happy to be here. Happy to be part of such a great field. Super stacked tournament.”
Despite his struggles to make a deep run in many events last season, Frances Tiafoe looked confident to make a mark in 2025. The World No.18 hinted at some of his top competitors, such as Sinner and Alcaraz, while asserting that he will come out strongly against them. “Guys, we look at the tour totally different. The game is open. Even though Sinner has had an incredible season, Alcaraz, incredible, Novak. I still think the game is open. There’s no clear winner for any event. It obviously showed,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
For the unversed, Sinner claimed the first position in the ATP rankings last year. Additionally, he also won his first two Grand Slam titles, at the Australian Open and then the US Open. Not to mention his stellar singles record of 73-6 and the ATP Finals victory in November. On the other hand, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open, followed by the Wimbledon trophy at the All England Club last summer.
Still, Tiafoe is confident that he can take them down in case there comes a match-up. Do you think the American will be able to leave a lasting impression this season? Let us know in the comments below.