Frances TiafoeCarlos Alcaraz’s next rival in the third round of Wimbledon, He is the son of immigrants who came to the United States from Sierra Leone, fleeing the civil war that devastated the country in the 80s and 90s..
His father Constant, a maintenance worker at a Maryland tennis club, and his mother, Alphina, a nursethey worked day and night to provide a good life for Frances and her twin brother Franklin, leaving the world number 26 to play tennis as a hobby.
“I slept in the club’s official room, that’s how my story began. I want it to serve as an inspiration to others.“, account.
I want my story to serve as an inspiration to others.
The American had a brilliant career as a junior, reaching number 2 in the ITF ranking. At the age of 14 he won Les Petits AS, a tournament whose champions are racket legends such as Rafael Nadal. A year later he would also win the Orange Bowl. His childhood idols were Lebron James and Serena Williams.
Tiafoe wants the British tournament to be a turning point after a season without results: “You lost against clowns and you start to doubt yourself,” argues a player who became ‘top 10′ and invited himself to Roger’s farewell party Federer. Together with his compatriot Jack Sock they defeated Federer and Rafael Nadal in the Basel genius’ last match as a professional.
