Frances Tiafoe gets real with Nick Kyrgios on the “domino effect” of diversity in a white sport like tennis

Frances Tiafoe was the latest guest on 'Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios', where the American opened up on various topics in his true candid form.

Frances Tiafoe gets real with Nick Kyrgios on the “domino effect” of diversity in a white sport like tennis

Frances Tiafoe and Nick Kyrgios (Image via IMAGO)

World No. 21 Frances Tiafoe has been one of the most popular players on the Tour lately. His fashion sense and humble personality have made him quite popular, despite inconsistent results on the Tour.

The 26-year-old was recently a guest on Nick Kyrgios‘ show ‘Good Trouble’. The Aussie has turned host to the show that’s created by Naomi Osaka and NBA star LeBron James‘ joint venture. With distinct guests on the show so far, it has been one of the most anticipated talk shows recently. 

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Tiafoe and Kyrgios have been good friends for a while now. While the former World No. 13 is currently inactive due to his injuries, he has donned the hat of a coach for Tiafoe. It happened at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), an exhibition tournament co-created by Patrick Mouratoglou. 

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Tiafoe opened up on numerous topics during the show. This included him taking inspiration from Kobe Bryant and James too. During the discussion, the topic shifted to representation in tennis. Both Kyrgios and Tiafoe have been subjected to racist abuse, but the American saw the brighter side nonetheless. 

It's huge and it's such a domino effect. I mean, you see what Chris Eubanks did at Wimbledon. Guys like that, only help the game. You're having guys that never watched tennis ever and if ever tap in because the person of color playing.
Said Tiafoe.

Tiafoe highlighted how tennis was always a ‘white’ sport. But this has changed over the years. The culture has seen a significant shift, and this has brought in new fans to the sport, making it reach a wider audience. 

Diversity in sport is huge, especially in a predominantly white sport and people doing it with swag, right? People thinking the game is cool and I can actually do this. So it means a lot to me seeing a guy like him go for a run. It means a lot for me for the game I love, we need more of that for us to move forward.
Added the American.

Frances Tiafoe struggling for form so far in 2024

Having won three titles during the 2023 season, expectations were on the rise at Tiafoe. But to his ill-luck, things haven’t gone well for him so far this season. The former World No. 10 is currently 7-7 for the season as he prepares for his debut on clay. 

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Frances Tiafoe (Image via Imago)

He started his season in Hong Kong but lost in the quarterfinals. The American next played at the 2024 Australian Open but lost in the second round to Tomas Machac in one of the early upsets of the Grand Slam tournament. He looked to pick up form by reaching the quarterfinals in Dallas and the semis in Delray Beach. 

But he couldn’t reach the finals. Things remained the same in Acapulco, as he lost in the second round. Back on home soil for the Sunshine Double, he lost in the third round in Indian Wells. Miami was further disappointing as he crashed out in the second round itself. 

Tiafoe is now gearing up for the Golden Swing, where he will make his debut in Houston. It is the only clay court event played in the USA during the Golden Swing. Tiafoe is the defending champ as well, and he will have to fight hard to retain those 250 ranking points. He takes on James Duckworth to start his title defense.

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