Frances Tiafoe credits a surprise pep talk from Serena Williams for his inspired performance, securing a quarter-final spot at the U.S. Open.
Bollywood Fever: Frances Tiafoe needed no extra motivation before stepping onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for his U.S. Open match against Alexei Popyrin on Sunday. However, an unexpected pep talk from tennis legend Serena Williams provided a boost like never before.
The American tennis star delivered a commanding performance, defeating Australian Popyrin 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals, where he will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov. Tiafoe revealed that a visit from 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams before his match gave him added inspiration.
“Telling me she’s always following no matter what, telling me it’s so good to see now that I’m done, you’re the guy of color playing and doing well,” Tiafoe said. “I’m, like, damn. That’s really, really cool that she sees me as that.”
Williams, a six-time U.S. Open champion, made headlines with her return to Flushing Meadows on Saturday, her first appearance since playing her final match at the venue two years ago. She was seen again on Sunday, enjoying the tournament’s signature “Honey Deuce” cocktail and watching the matches unfold.
“It was really cool to have her want to talk to me before a match and really say she wants me to do this thing and that I’m capable of doing it,” Tiafoe added. “I don’t think it will hit me like that if anybody else said it to me.”
The visit from Williams had a profound impact on Tiafoe, who was already riding high on confidence. Her words of encouragement were particularly meaningful, as Tiafoe represents the next generation of Black athletes in tennis, a role he takes seriously.
But Williams’ support extended beyond Tiafoe. She also offered a pep talk to Dimitrov, a long-time friend, on Saturday. The Bulgarian star secured his spot in the last eight after a grueling five-set victory over Russian Andrey Rublev, with Williams watching from the stands.
As Tiafoe and Dimitrov prepare to face off in the quarter-finals, it remains to be seen where Williams’ loyalties will lie. However, both players have already benefited greatly from her wisdom and support as they continue their U.S. Open campaigns.
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