Tiafoe is one of Tennis’ Most Exciting Players
Tiafoe’s playing style and flair for dramatic celebrations have already made him a fan-favorite during his run at the Australian Open. Tiafoe’s powerful forehand and big serve is something we’ve come to expect from American stars. But it’s been a long time since a U.S.-born male player has given American fans hope that the country can once again reach the top of the tennis world.
When Tiafoe won the Delray Beach Open last year at age 20, he was the youngest American to win an ATP tour title since Roddick won in Houston as a 19-year-old.
Despite Tiafoe’s flashes of brilliance, he has yet to enjoy a true breakthrough at a grand slam before this year’s Australian Open. Not only has Tiafoe played the best tennis of his young career by notching several early upsets, but he’s also endeared himself to the Melbourne faithful by showing his emotions. Tiafoe has already gone shirtless several times and even channeled NBA star LeBron James during celebrations.
Frances Tiafoe does the Lebron James Celebration after beating Andreas Seppi in the Third Round of the 2019 Australian Open. Side-by-side comparison. @KingJames @FTiafoe @AustralianOpen @NBA #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/KbhGjJrqW3
— bryzonstudios (@bryzonstudios) January 18, 2019
But he’s also shown a softer side in victory. On his 21st birthday, Tiafoe gave a tearful post-match interview following his fourth-round win over Grigor Dimitrov.
“It means the world. I worked my ass off, man.”@FTiafoe moved to tears after the match ????#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/mf7ggu6djY
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2019
“It means the world [to me],” Tiafoe said while fighting back tears. “I worked my ass off, man. You know, I told my parents ten years ago I was going to be a pro, and I was going to change their life and my life, and now I’m in the quarters of a Slam at 21 years old. I can’t believe it, man.”
