SEPT 20 - 22, 2024 | BERLIN
Frances Tiafoe was one of Team World’s youngest competitors when, at 19, John McEnroe selected him for the inaugural Laver Cup in Prague seven years ago. Ranked No.72 at the time, he faced 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in the history-making opening match, showcasing his readiness for the high-stakes competition.
Since then, Tiafoe has become one of America’s leading tennis stars. His contributions were pivotal to Team World’s triumphs, securing back-to-back titles in London in 2022 and Vancouver in 2023, both times sealing the championship with explosive victories on Sunday.
How it’s going
Tiafoe was the first to admit his 2024 season had been “really tough” up until August, when he reached his first ATP Masters 1000 at Cincinnati and the semifinals at the ATP 500 in Washington. He rejoins Team World with renewed confidence and a top 20 ranking after overcoming quality opponents in Ohio, including Wimbledon semifinalist Lorenzo Musetti and former world No.4 Holger Rune.
Tiafoe, who pushed eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz to five sets in a gripping Wimbledon third round said: “I think anybody can clip anybody. If you’re not ready to go, you’re going to get clipped.” Tiafoe maintained his focus at the 2024 US Open where he stormed into the semifinals for the second time in his career, there to face fellow American Taylor Fritz, his friend and fellow Team World teammate in Berlin.
The motivation to play Laver Cup
Now a veteran of Laver Cup competition with four campaigns under his belt and two championships, ‘Big Foe’ eagerly embraces the opportunity to represent Team World for a record fifth time.
“Having a chance to win together at the highest level always means a lot to us; we talk about it a lot. To come together and try not to worry about yourself and play for something more than yourself is a great thing. And I love team sports, so that’s why I like to compete.”
Role on Team World
When Tiafoe reports for duty at Laver Cup, players on both sides are known to greet him enthusiastically, such is the feel-good aura surrounding the ebullient Maryland native.
Tiafoe described himself as the guy in the team who gets everyone pumped.
“I’m the biggest cheerleader when I’m out there, making sure everyone’s having a good time. I’m the glue guy.”
It is motivating, he continued, to be supporting a group of guys that he is usually trying to beat, and to watch them “beat up on other great players.” Nothing thrills him more than being on the bench watching the Laver Cup battle unfold and taking orders from Captain McEnroe. “He’s such a warrior … wants to be a leader, everything he does. He was so amped up to win once again (in Vancouver).
“But we all love him. No filter. Just Mac is Mac. You know, he’s going to do what he’s going to do. And you have so much respect for that guy. I’m a huge fan of his and it’s always cool to be in his presence.”
Favorite memory
Tiafoe said one of his favorite Laver Cup memories was competing with Jack Sock against Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in London in Friday’s doubles and watching the two “Mount Rushmore athletes” cry together at a special post-match ceremony to mark Federer’s retirement.
“I mean, that’s wild,” Tiafoe said. “I’m a kid, like eight, nine years old, watching these guys battle each other. And now, like, you know, at the end, they’re like holding hands, like the respect they have for each other.
“One dude, Spanish, was barely speaking English when he first started. Another dude, you think he’s American with how well he speaks English, and he’s so fly and does everything like they’re so different. But they just love each other and the respect they have for each other is insane.
“So that was probably the coolest thing ever. And I was like, man, it’s just cool to be here. Like, forget what even just happened. It’s cool to be here. Yeah.”
Read Frances Tiafoe’s full Team World profile
