Frances Tiafoe is helping make tennis cool, his electrifying run at Flushing Meadows a year ago bringing attention to the sport.
And he’s ready for an encore.
On Monday, the 10th-seeded Tiafoe kick-started his U.S. Open campaign with an impressive 6-2, 7-5, 6-1 win over fellow American Learner Tien.
“It’s totally different on this court. I’ve got this crowd behind me. I have so many good memories from last year,” said Tiafoe, embracing the weight of expectations. “This is circled once a year on the calendar. It feels so good to be back here.
“I’m going to try my hardest and put everything on the line. Hopefully these next couple of weeks are ones to remember.”
Last year Tiafoe became the first American man to reach the U.S. Open semis since 2006, and the first black American male since Arthur Ashe.
It makes playing in the stadium named after Ashe extra special, and Tiafoe is well aware of the fact his success influences young men of color to take interest in the game.
That point was driven home not just by former First Lady Michelle Obama asking to speak with him right after last year’s semifinal loss, but by the litany of NBA stars who have flocked to him — including Kevin Garnett watching Monday’s win and having a long animated talk with him outside the player’s garden.
“Yeah, cool. [They] want to see me, want to meet me, it’s cool. Some of that is super humbling,” said Tiafoe, who frequently wears NBA jerseys. “Obviously Big Ticket is a legend, so seeing him was super cool. He sent me a funny voice mail before the tournament. It’s cool he’s able to come out here.
“Yeah, again, diversity in sport speaks volumes. Obviously it has people tune into the game that usually wouldn’t. He’s one of them, and many others. I have to keep winning so they stay interested. Obviously I want to impact a lot of people of color to want to pursue the game of tennis. It’s big shoes to fill but a great seat to be in.”
No. 9 Taylor Fritz beat fellow American Steve Johnson 6-2, 6-2, 6-2. Dominic Thiem upset No. 25 Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
The upset of the day was Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena knocking off fourth-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Rune was shunted to Court 5 despite his high rank.
“Yeah, of course I tried to get an explanation, and obviously they said what we all know: That they put the Americans on the big court, which is totally fine. I’m used to play a lot in France where they do that. So I respect that 100 percent,” Rune said. “That’s not only the case here, that it’s only Americans playing on the big courts.
“That card didn’t really work. Then you try to ask more questions and they don’t answer you. It’s a little bit tough.”
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