Frances Tiafoe Highlights Attitude And Positivity On World Mental Health Day

Up-and-coming American tennis star Frances Tiafoe currently sits at No. 19 in the ATP’s world ranking, making him the second-highest ranked American behind 24—year-old Taylor Fritz (No. 11).

Tiafoe, also 24, turned heads this summer with an outstanding performance at the annual U.S. Open.

After knocking off Australia’s Jason Kubler in the second round, followed by a dominant performance over Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman, Tiafoe then knocked off 21-time Grand Slam singles champ and world No. 2 Rafael Nadal in four sets in Round 4.

Thereafter, Tiafoe met current Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the U.S. Open semifinals, where he gave Alcaraz a tough five sets, before conceding the match to the current world No. 1 player.

Tiafoe is known for his serving prowess as well as his tendency to ace—he had 18 aces against Nadal and 15 versus Alcaraz at the U.S. Open. Despite his strength on the court and promising future, Tiafoe says that success tennis is almost all in the mind.

“Tennis is as much mental as it is physical,” said Tiafoe. “You must be locked in each game, set and match to make sure you can out last that other person.”

It’s why the Maryland-born son of immigrants from Sierra Leone has recently signed on with a new sponsor partner to complement his existing endorsements from NikeNKE
, TAG Heuer and Yonex performance tennis racquets.

Following in the footsteps of tennis legend Venus Williams, Tiafoe has joined up with BetterHelp, a mental health platform that provides counseling and other therapy services services directly to consumers.

VIDEO: Tiafoe defeats Rafael Nadal at then U.S. Open

“Having mental toughness is so important in sports. So, I’m glad to be partnering with BetterHelp, to help to empower people with practical tools that can make a real difference,” Tiafoe said during a recent interview.

Related story: Venus Williams wants people to talk about mental health

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, a date sanctioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues. World Mental Health Day also was also established to provide an opportunity for all stakeholders working in mental health to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

“So many people struggle with their mental health, and lack the resources to take care of it,” Tiafoe added. “I’m really excited to work with BetterHelp to get the word out about free therapy to folks who need it. And also help reduce the stigma that comes with asking for help.”

In conjunction with Tiafoe and other athletes that BetterHelp has enlisted, the organization is offering a free first month of services for anyone who gets to their website.

At the end of last month, I connected with Frances Tiafoe for a quick chat about his career and recent performances.

Andy Frye: Describe what it was like playing in the 2022 U.S. Open. Talk about the competition you faced and how you handled it all.

Frances Tiafoe: I had an unbelievable experience at this year’s U.S. Open. I have been training for a moment like that for my entire career. It felt good to power through each round and beat a great like Nadal to make it to the semis. Although I didn’t make it to the finals, I’m proud of my growth and maturity through it all.

AF: Each Grand Slam is a different animal. Talk about your play on each surface and in each venue.

Tiafoe: I’m lucky in that I feel comfortable on all surfaces. Growing up, I played a lot on green clay and hard courts so that gave me a good foundation to be competitive on any surface. We have some incredible stadiums in the game. I love the enjoy of the crowd and I love playing in front of packed stadiums. I embrace it no matter where I am and try to make the most of it.

AF: Tennis players all have their strengths. What do you rely on most?

Tiafoe: My attitude is one. I want to bring the positive energy no matter what in every match. To be one of the top players in this game you have to be consistent week in and week out. That’s not easy to do because we play so much. I’m determined to bring it, keep myself pumped up and keep feeding the crowds energy. Secondly, I was to continue to play aversive, exciting tennis.

AF: What players have influenced you most in your career and journey?

Tiafoe: Venus and Serena Williams of course, Federer, Nadal, the list goes on.

AF: On a more easygoing note, what music do you listen to get pumped?

Tiafoe: I’m loving anything Lil Baby right now. His songs definitely get me hyped before a match!