Frances Tiafoe is magnetic on and off a tennis court. Just take his scintillating 2022 US Open campaign, when the Maryland native downed Rafael Nadal en route to the semifinals, before eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz prevailed in a box office five-set bout.
The home crowds just can't get enough of this electric athlete, who cajoles them to make noise, get pumped up with him, to join the ride. 'Big Foe' is always a big show.
On the other side of the coin, a disheartened Tiafoe can seem lost in battle. Take 2024, where a 24-19 match record represents a mixed bag for the 26-year-old.
Confidence is key for such an absorbing and captivating character. But currently, after reaching his first Masters 1000 final last week in Cincinnati, it's coursing through his 6-foot-2 frame on the eve of his latest New York campaign.
"I think there's a massive difference," Tiafoe said Friday during his pre-tournament press conference. "I think the one thing you see is a lot more joy and excitement when I'm playing when I'm really confident. The level of fear I instill in my opponent. I find I'm much more aggressive, much more sure of myself. I get the crowd into it, play with much more passion, energy, than when I'm not.
"I think it's two different Franceses when I'm in that mode. I think it's really good for the game, as well."
It’s hard to argue with that.
Back in July, Tiafoe and Alcaraz locked horns again in another primetime blockbuster at Wimbledon. Same human-highlight-reel rallies, five sets again, same outcome. Even in defeat, Tiafoe provided a glimpse of the Frances he wants to portray.
The home charge's confidence has been soaring ever since leaving Centre Court in southwest London, with new coach David Witt—the former coach of Venus Williams and Jessica Pegula—at the helm. The impact has been noticeable, with Tiafoe striding between points head held high.
The results have been popping in too, first with a semifinal spot on home courts in Washington, D.C. Over to Cincinnati, the 26-year-old brought the passion and energy to take down Lorenzo Musetti, Hubert Hurkacz and Holger Rune (saving two match points) en route to the final.
World No.1 Jannik Sinner lifted the title, but Tiafoe has returned to the Top 20 and is raring to go at Flushing Meadows this fortnight.
"In general I'm feeling much, much better. Since Wimbledon I've been playing much, much better. It finally came together in Cincinnati and I'm trying to use that for this week," added the American.
"I'm super excited to be here, obviously. Coming in with really good momentum. Hoping for another really big run. I love playing here in New York. Let's see what happens.
"[Witt] is very similar to me in personality, for sure. He's instilled a lot of confidence in me. Constantly always telling me to believe in myself.
"I can get really high and sometimes pretty low, and he's kind of managed to keep me pretty even-keeled and stay much more poised while I'm out there.”
Four of his compatriots sit above Tiafoe, with Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda all joining him in the Top 20.
"The American guys have been playing well for a really long time. It's nice to be back up there with those guys," continued Tiafoe.
"Obviously I want to be back closer to where I want to be, Top 10, so on and so forth. But last week was definitely a good stepping stone towards that, for sure."
Stepping stone is a poignant phrase to use. 'Big Foe' is far from satisfied with just turning his 2024 around; he wants showtime at the business end of the US Open.
To get there, the world No. 20 must escape a loaded bottom quarter of the draw. In the third round, there could be a 2023 US Open rematch with Shelton, who posted a four-set victory last year in their quarterfinal clash, prior to a potential fourth-round tussle with defending champion Novak Djokovic. However, first up Tiafoe must quell the talents of world No. 75 Aleksandar Kovacevic.
In their all-American duel earlier this month, Tiafoe fired 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3 onto the Washington scoreboards.
"Yeah, you've got to see what's going on, for sure. You have to," said Tiafoe with a cheeky grin, revealing he does look ahead in the draw. "But obviously those things don't happen unless you take care of what's in front of you. No question.
"It's always different in a Slam. The lights are a little brighter. We'll see what ends up happening. Personally, I just like where I'm at and my shot at it.
"It's not easy waiting for this tournament all year. I'm so amped up. It's circled on the calendar every year. I love these two weeks and I love playing tennis after Wimbledon in the States. There's no better time for me."
