History of Frances Tiafoe in Timeline

Frances Tiafoe Jr. is an American professional tennis player. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 10 on June 19, 2023, and a doubles ranking of No. 160 on November 1, 2021. He is known for his athletic and entertaining playing style.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: Arthur Ashe in US Open Semifinals

In 1972, Arthur Ashe reached the US Open Semifinals. Frances Tiafoe became the first black American man since Arthur Ashe in 1972 to reach the semifinals.

January 20, 1998: Frances Tiafoe Jr. Born

On January 20, 1998, Frances Tiafoe Jr. was born in Maryland. He is an American professional tennis player.

2004: Andy Roddick Defeats Nadal at Grand Slam

In 2004, Andy Roddick defeated Rafael Nadal at a Grand Slam. Frances Tiafoe became the third American to defeat Nadal in a Grand Slam after Roddick in 2004 and Blake in 2005.

2005: Agassi and Ginepri Met at US Open

In 2005, Andre Agassi and Robby Ginepri met at the US Open. At the 2023 US Open, Tiafoe reached the semifinals which set up an all-American semifinal with Taylor Fritz, the first at a Grand Slam since 2005 at the US Open, when Andre Agassi and Robby Ginepri met.

2005: James Blake Defeats Nadal at US Open

In 2005, James Blake defeated Rafael Nadal at the US Open. Frances Tiafoe became the first American to defeat Nadal at a major since Blake's win in 2005.

2006: Andy Roddick Last American to Reach US Open Quarterfinals

In 2006, Andy Roddick was the youngest American man to reach the US Open quarterfinals. In 2022, Tiafoe became the youngest American man to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Roddick in 2006.

May 2016: Sponsored by Nike

Since May 2016 Tiafoe was sponsored by Nike.

2016: John Isner Comments on Tiafoe's Game

In 2016, after facing Frances Tiafoe at the US Open, John Isner commented that Tiafoe could return his serve as well as any player outside of Novak Djokovic, but suggested improvement for Tiafoe's second serve.

2016: Robby Ginepri Begins Coaching Tiafoe

In the fall of 2016, Robby Ginepri began coaching Frances Tiafoe.

2017: First Match Against Del Potro

In 2017, Frances Tiafoe first faced Juan Martín del Potro at Acapulco, with del Potro winning in a third-set tiebreak.

2017: World TeamTennis Debut

In 2017, Frances Tiafoe made his World TeamTennis debut with the Washington Kastles.

2017: John Isner in Cincinnati Semifinals

In 2017, John Isner reached the Cincinnati Semifinals. Frances Tiafoe was the first American male player in the Cincinnati semifinals since John Isner in 2017.

2018: Relationship with Ayan Broomfield

In 2018, Frances Tiafoe made known his relationship with Ayan Broomfield.

2018: First Win Over Del Potro

In 2018, Frances Tiafoe picked up his first win over Juan Martín del Potro at the Delray Beach Open en route to his first career ATP title.

2018: Zack Evenden Helps Coach Tiafoe

In 2018, shortly before winning his first ATP title, Frances Tiafoe started receiving coaching assistance from his friend Zack Evenden.

2018: Improved Serve at Delray Beach Open

In 2018, when Frances Tiafoe won the Delray Beach Open, he credited an improved serve for his better performance in the tournament.

February 11, 2019: Career-High Ranking

On February 11, 2019, Frances Tiafoe reached a career-high ranking of world No. 29 after his success at the Australian Open.

2019: Zack Evenden Becomes Primary Coach

Before the start of the 2019 season, Zack Evenden took over as Frances Tiafoe's primary coach.

2020: Positive COVID-19 Test

In 2020, Frances Tiafoe was scheduled to return to the Washington Kastles during the 2020 WTT season, but did not play after testing positive for COVID-19.

2020: Hired Wayne Ferreira

In the 2020 season, Frances Tiafoe hired former top-10 player Wayne Ferreira as an additional coach.

July 2021: Parted Ways with Evenden

In July 2021, Frances Tiafoe and Zack Evenden mutually agreed to part ways, and Wayne Ferreira became his primary coach.

May 2, 2022: Reached Top 25 in Rankings

On May 2, 2022, Frances Tiafoe reached the top 25 in world rankings after his performance at the Portugal Open where he reached the final, losing to Sebastián Báez.

2022: Upset Andrey Rublev at Washington

In 2022, During the American Summer swing, Tiafoe upset top seed Andrey Rublev in Washington, his first top 10 win of the season and first since 2022.

2022: Honored at Maryland Terrapins Football Game

In 2022, after defeating Rafael Nadal and reaching the semifinals of the US Open, Frances Tiafoe attended a Maryland Terrapins Football game where he was honored for his accomplishments.