Frances Tiafoe: Heat, Heart & Hard Work in Miami

Mar 6
3 min read

Miami Living spoke with Frances Tiafoe during the Miami Open, where the American star reflected on his journey from Maryland to the world stage, his connection to Miami, and the routines that keep him grounded on and off the court.

BY MARKIN ABRAS | PHOTOS FRANCES TIAFOE /INSTAGRAM

Frances Tiafoe turned professional in 2015, but his relationship with tennis began long before that at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in Maryland. His father, who emigrated from Sierra Leone, worked at the facility as a custodian and later became a coach, which allowed Tiafoe and his twin brother Franklin Tiafoe to spend countless hours around the game. That early exposure shaped both his work ethic and his love for the sport. As a junior, he made a major statement by reaching the final of the Junior French Open in 2013, a result that put him firmly on the radar and hinted at what was to come.

When asked what comes to mind when he thinks of Miami, Tiafoe does not immediately go to tennis. “When I think of Miami, I think of LeBron,” he says, referencing LeBron James and the Miami Heat era. “I think about those years, that’s what I think about with Miami.” The city’s conditions, however, are impossible to ignore once he steps on court. Miami’s heat, humidity, and fast surfaces demand adjustments that fans rarely see. “A ton of hydration,” he explains. “A lot of nights going to bed early. You’ve got to get ready to play in the heat. Tough conditions, but obviously fun conditions. Great atmosphere and one of the best events in the world.”

Those routines extend off the court as well, especially when it comes to recovery. Sleep is a priority during tournaments, and Tiafoe keeps it simple. “Putting the phone down,” he says. “A lot of us are so connected to it, we can’t really come up for air. Once you let it go, you sleep way better.” He also leans into quieter habits. Reading helps him slow things down, and staying mentally balanced is just as important as physical preparation. When it comes to music, he laughs at what might surprise fans. “I’m a huge R&B listener. I don’t listen to that much rap anymore. Old-school rap I used to love, but I’m a big R&B guy. Shout out Kehlani.”

Tiafoe’s career has been defined by steady progress and timely breakthroughs. He won his first ATP title at the Delray Beach Open in 2018 and followed that with additional titles that confirmed his place among the top American players. His biggest moment came at the US Open in 2022, where he reached the semifinals and became the first American man to do so since 2006. Off the court, he prefers to keep things normal. “Be with the homies,” he says. “Follow other sports, do other things. Not really about tennis. Just being normal, taking it easy, and getting relaxed.”

At the Miami Open, Tiafoe has delivered some of his most memorable performances. His best result came in 2019, when he reached the quarterfinals.

Frances Tiafoe's stats:

Age: 28 (January 20, 1998)

Birth place: Hyattsville, Maryland

Career high: World No. 10

Singles titles: 3

Miami Open Best: Quarterfinals in 2019

Prize Money: US$15,596,017

www.instagram.com/bigfoe1998