Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Frances Tiafoe
How Frances Tiafoe built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Frances Tiafoe Jr. is a highly accomplished American professional tennis player. He achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 10 in singles on June 19, 2023. This milestone made him the first Sierra Leonean American man to break into the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) top 10 rankings, marking a significant achievement in his career and representing a notable moment for representation in the sport.
2010: American man since to defeat a top-three seed
In 2010, since Sam Querrey, became the first American man since 2010 to defeat a top-three seed at a major.
2011: First American to reach the second week
In 2011, Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish became first American man to reach the second week at the US Open. Tiafoe followed this in 2021.
December 2013: Orange Bowl Win
In December 2013, Frances Tiafoe became the youngest player to win the Orange Bowl, a high-tier Grade A event on the ITF Junior Circuit.
2013: Orange Bowl Win
In 2013, at the age of 15, Frances Tiafoe won the Orange Bowl, becoming the tournament's youngest-ever boys' singles champion.
2014: ATP Tour Debut and US Open Appearance
In 2014, Frances Tiafoe made his ATP Tour main draw debut at the Washington Open and received a wildcard into the US Open qualifying draw. He also earned his first ATP-level win in the doubles tournament at the US Open with Michael Mmoh.
2014: Junior Grand Slam Results
In 2014, Frances Tiafoe participated in Junior Grand Slam tournaments, reaching the second round of the French Open, the third round of Wimbledon, and the semifinals of the US Open.
2014: French Open Junior Tournament
In 2014, Frances Tiafoe was the top seed at the French Open junior tournament but was upset in the second round. He also lost at Wimbledon to Noah Rubin.
March 2015: First Professional Title
In March 2015, Frances Tiafoe claimed his first professional title by winning the ITF Futures tournament at Bakersfield.
April 2015: ATP Challenger Breakthrough
In April 2015, Frances Tiafoe broke through onto the ATP Challenger level, achieving a series of solid results that propelled him into the top 300 in the world rankings.
August 2015: USTA Junior National Championship
In August 2015, Frances Tiafoe capped his junior career by winning the USTA Junior National Championship, earning a wild card into the main draw at the 2015 US Open.
May 2016: Sponsorship by Nike
Since May 2016, Tiafoe was sponsored by Nike.
2016: ATP Tour Struggles
In 2016, Frances Tiafoe achieved consistent results at the Challenger level but struggled to make a breakthrough at the ATP Tour level, securing only one ATP match win.
2016: Top 100 ATP Ranking
In 2016, Frances Tiafoe broke into the top 100 of the ATP rankings.
2016: Wimbledon
In 2016, Sam Querrey became the first American man since 2010 to defeat a top-three seed at a major.
2016: Facing John Isner at US Open
In 2016, after facing Tiafoe at the US Open, John Isner commented on Tiafoe's ability to return his serve.
2017: Wimbledon
In 2017, Sam Querrey became the first American man since 2010 to defeat a top-three seed at a major.
2017: First Match Against Juan Martín del Potro
In 2017, Tiafoe first faced his tennis idol Juan Martín del Potro at Acapulco, with del Potro winning in a third-set tiebreak.
2017: Debut in World TeamTennis
In 2017, Tiafoe made his debut in World TeamTennis with the Washington Kastles, his hometown team.
2018: Delray Beach Open Win
In 2018, Frances Tiafoe won his first ATP title at the Delray Beach Open, becoming the youngest American man to win a tournament on the ATP Tour since Andy Roddick in 2002.
2018: Improved Serve Credited for Better Play
In 2018, Tiafoe credited an improved serve for his better play in the Delray Beach Open tournament, which he won.
2018: First Win Over Juan Martín del Potro
In 2018, Tiafoe secured his first win over his idol Juan Martín del Potro at the Delray Beach Open, en route to winning his first career ATP title.
February 11, 2019: Career-High Ranking
On February 11, 2019, Frances Tiafoe reached a career-high ranking of world No. 29 following his performance at the Australian Open.
2019: 2019 Season Overview
During the 2019 season, Frances Tiafoe faced challenges in maintaining his success, with inconsistent performances and struggles with illness and difficult draws in major tournaments.
2019: Australian Open Quarterfinals
In 2019, Frances Tiafoe reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
2019: 2019 Australian Open
In 2019, Frances Tiafoe's quarterfinal points from the Australian Open helped him to reach new milestones in his career.
2020: Olympics Loss
At the 2020 Olympics, Frances Tiafoe lost in the second round to Tsitsipas, who took his revenge for the Wimbledon loss.
November 1, 2021: Career-High Doubles Ranking
On November 1, 2021, Frances Tiafoe achieved a career-high doubles ranking of No. 160.
2021: Wimbledon Win Against Top-5 Player
In 2021, Frances Tiafoe defeated world No. 4 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of Wimbledon, gaining his first win against a top-5 player. Also in 2021, Tiafoe reached the quarterfinals at the Queen's Club Championships, and won the Nottingham Open.
2021: Defeating Cameron Norrie at Indian Wells
In 2021, Tiafoe defeated Cameron Norrie, the 2021 Indian Wells champion, marking his biggest win of the season by ranking. This occurred during his run to his first Masters 1000 semifinal at Indian Wells.
May 2, 2022: Top 25 Ranking
On May 2, 2022, Frances Tiafoe reached the top 25 in rankings after success in the European Clay swing of the season.
2022: US Open Semifinals
In 2022, Frances Tiafoe reached the semifinals of the US Open, marking his first time reaching the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament.
2022: Upsetting Andrey Rublev in Washington
In 2022, Tiafoe upset top seed Andrey Rublev in Washington, marking his first top 10 win of the season and advancing to the semifinals.
April 10, 2023: Rise to World No. 11
On April 10, 2023, Tiafoe's victory at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships propelled him to world No. 11 in the ATP rankings.
June 19, 2023: Career High Ranking
On June 19, 2023, Frances Tiafoe achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 10, becoming the first Sierra Leonean American man to be ranked in the top 10 by the ATP.
2023: ATP Titles on Clay and Grass
In 2023, Frances Tiafoe won his second ATP title on clay at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston and his third on grass in Stuttgart.
January 2025: Sponsorship by lululemon
Starting in January 2025, Tiafoe is sponsored by lululemon and serves as a brand ambassador for them.
