Frances Tiafoe on the 2024 US Open and her hopes for LeBron

Tennis player Frances Tiafoe has one quality that sets him apart from many other athletes in his sport: he has charisma. The crowd reaction at a match he elicits is exuberant, with almost everyone cheering for “Big Foe.” Born in Maryland to immigrants from Sierra Leone, Tiafoe’s father worked as a maintenance supervisor at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, and encouraged young Frances to train in the sport since he was four years old. It’s a door that might not have been open to him otherwise. When he plays a match, as he will at the 2024 US Open, you can see the strength and determination he inherited from his family in his every move on the court.

While tennis has become increasingly popular in recent years, this is also thanks to Netflix’s documentary series. Breakpoint and Luca Guadagnino’s challenger (which Tiafoe admits he hasn’t seen yet), Tiafoe’s reverence for athletes past and present extends beyond his own sport. He dreams of having basketball players like LeBron James watching him from the stands and likes to keep Allen Iverson’s style on his mood board. After an impressive run at the Cincinnati Masters earlier this month, where he played in the final against world No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner, Big Foe is back on the court at the U.S. Open and ready to take on the challenge. Part of his motivation, he says, comes from sticking to his routine and watching Nipsey Hussle’s Lap of honourand he finally gets to enjoy a Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail right after the tournament ends. Before celebrating with everyone’s favorite US Open drink, Tiafoe tells the Cut his pre-match rituals and more.

How do you think your style on the pitch reflects your style off the pitch?
My style on the court is definitely loud, passionate, showing you who I am, smiling and just enjoying the game and life and having a lot of fun. I try not to take myself too seriously, but I bring that into everything I do.

What is your first memory of someone with great style or fashion sense?

When I was young, I’d probably say Allen Iverson. He definitely combined sports and fashion – what he did with the baggy jackets and pants, cornrows and tattoos. He took it to a whole new level.

Merch is making a huge comeback with celebrities, concert tours and even politicians. What would be your dream merch?

My dream merch…I haven’t really thought about it yet. It would be cool to have some “Big Foe” stuff.

What do you like to listen to before a game to get you in the mood? If you could play any song or album during a game, what would you choose?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Nipsey Hussle and probably his album Lap of honour is what I would play. He says a lot of hard stuff; you should definitely listen to it.

What is your pre-game ritual?

I listen to the same songs and motivational stuff. I eat the same thing before every game. I like to keep a big routine.

What is a must-see place or task when you come to New York?

I really enjoy shopping here, hanging out on rooftops and the like, and enjoying the many nice restaurants.

What is the first thing you want to do when you arrive at the US Open?

Frances Tiafoe holds a Honey Deuce cocktail.
Photo by : Grey Goose

Go to Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong’s stadiums. I think the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is the best arena we have. It’s such an iconic place.

What do you like to do most after the tournament?
I’m drinking a Honey Deuce and reflecting on the match, you know what I mean. As a kid I always saw someone drinking one and talking about it and it’s such an iconic drink at the US Open. I think you can’t go to the Open without drinking one. The glass has all the past champions and the little tennis balls in it. To be a part of it now is amazing.

Is there a celebrity you dream of watching you play on the court?

If LeBron James came to watch me, that would be awesome.

Have you seen him play?

There is no doubt about it. Front and center.

Is there a tennis match that you enjoy watching over and over again?

When I played against Rafa Nadal here a few years ago, I would definitely do it again. I try to relive certain moments.

You’re constantly traveling. How do you entertain yourself while you’re on the road?

I love documentary series, getting to know new things and people. I have Friday Night Lights last month or so; it was pretty cool to do it again.

What do you definitely not want to see?

I don’t like scary movies in general. I’m not scared, sometimes suspense is cool, but it totally wakes me up.

What is your favorite game besides tennis?

U.N. It’s my absolute favorite game. It makes me so angry.

What was the last meal you ate?

Last night I had a steak. But when I’m home, sometimes a chef comes over or my girlfriend cooks. When I’m in Maryland, I let my mother do it. She’s one of the best cooks here; she makes a lot of African dishes.

You get in an Uber XL and can give five celebrities a ride – dead or alive. Who’s coming with you?

I definitely want to invite Taylor Fritz, and probably LeBron, Jay-Z, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, and Denzel Washington. I think there would be so much to talk about and common interests beyond what they do and what they’re interested in.

What is the best and worst advice you have ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never as bad as it seems and never as good as it seems – stay calm and don’t let it get you too down. But the worst advice I’ve ever heard is to be realistic.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.