Tiafoe Talks: Frances on Afrobeats, Jalen Brunson, Jayden Daniels, his new coach, online abuse, cheating in practice...and even more

NEW YORK—Post-match press conferences aren’t usually places of refuge, even for match winners. But when Frances Tiafoe walked into the main interview room inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday, he was overjoyed.

“A.C.,” Tiafoe said with relief at least twice, as the cool indoor air greeted the victorious American.

Even after a shower, Tiafoe had a hard time getting the oppressive heat and humidity off his mind. The conditions contributed to the retirement of his second-round opponent, Alexander Shevchenko, early in the third set.

“How warm it was today, obviously, you know, I’m a competitor and never want to win on retirement but I'll take that,” Tiafoe began his presser.

Then Tiafoe took questions from reporters—and let’s just say the agreeable environment made the American even more amiable and chatty than usual.

Chai tea lattes and Afrobeats

Tiafoe’s next match at the US Open should be a banger: he’ll reprise his quarterfinal against Ben Shelton from last year. It’s all but a guarantee that all-American collision will be at night.

Night matches can end—and start, if it’s last on—quite late at Flushing Meadows. Tiafoe was asked whether that uncertainty fazes him.

“It’s almost weird if I play during the day, honestly, at this point in my career,” he said. “I mean, I’m a very relaxed guy. I don’t really stress out much. If I’m playing in the evening, I’m not really thinking about it until I get in the car to go.

“In the morning I’m just chilling. I walk with my girl, get a chai tea latte in the morning, watch some other matches unfold, get on the ‘Gram, play some Afrobeats. Not much I’m really stressed about until it's time to go.”

Later, in a winding and entertaining conversation, Tiafoe got back on the subject of Afrobeats, and his favorite artists in the increasingly popular genre.

The music “gets me in that mode, man. Just makes you feel good, right?” said Tiafoe. “Obviously Burna is my family. I listen to him nonstop. Wizkid, Davido, Asake is killing right now. Tems had a great new album … There's this new guy Kaytranada, he's got this fire song with GoldLink, I was playing that in the locker room before I came here. It’s vibes.”

But when it’s go time, there’s only one artist Tiafoe wants to hear.

“Nipsey's kind of changed my approach in how I see life and everything,” said Tiafoe. “He's been big for me.”

Tennis, basketball and football

The US Open means we’re not long for the returns of pro football and basketball. That’s more music to Tiafoe’s ears.

When it comes to sports, the D.C. native proudly represents the mid-Atlantic, but he’s got connections to many fellow athletes, particularly in hoops. One of them, the New York Knicks’ recent acquisition Mikal Bridges, texted Tiafoe and let him know that he was coming today’s match.

Tiafoe got the message, but not necessarily the memo. The Knicks jersey he brought was of Bridges’ teammate, the beloved Jalen Brunson.

“I'm just not a morning person,” said Tiafoe, “so I put [the Knicks jersey] on and then when I took it off to go practice, I was, like, God, Jalen.

“But yeah, Brunson, he’s the man here. He’s damn near bigger than Jay-Z.”

It was no problem for Bridges, who watched Tiafoe win—and then do his celebration.

“He was laughing,” Tiafoe said.

The sports chatter inspired one reporter to ask about an athlete closer to Tiafoe’s home, Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the 23-year-old quarterback will start for the Washington Commanders in Week 1.

The NFL season begins on men’s final Sunday. Is Tiafoe ready for the Daniels Era in D.C.?

“I like that question,” he said. “I think it’s going to be good. I think he’s going to be a really good quarterback in this league. Obviously he’s playing for us. I’m super excited for him. I mean, our [offensive] line isn’t the best, but I’m excited to see what he does and what he shakes up.

“I think in some years we can be good. Everyone in D.C. is talking about us going to the playoffs. That’s high hopes, but we’ll see, man. I’m really excited for him. I’m a fan and can’t wait to meet him.”

Q&A with Big Foe

Music and sports were hardly the only topics of conversation on this afternoon.

• On his new coach, David Witt:

“I think our personalities just match so well. He’s so relaxed and chill, and obviously that, you know, helps me a lot.

“He did unbelievable with Venus [Williams], he did unbelievable with Jess [Pegula]. Jess was, you know, your average kind of player and then now she’s elite. She’s been elite for years now. I mean, every time she steps in a Slam, you’re like, man, she can win it. Just trying to be a part of that (smiling).”

• On Caroline Garcia’s comments about online abuse from fans:

“I get it. I’ve been getting cooked for a long time … People are saying outlandish sh*t—sorry—outlandish stuff. It’s just wild. You got guys working all their life trying to compete at the highest level. You don’t know people's circumstances, what they’re going through, how this affects people.

“But the biggest thing I would like to tell players and other colleagues, men and women—like, these people, they’re going to follow your life regardless … You’re the prize, you’re the important person. Be more upset about the loss or tough time you’re actually going through, and don’t let your mood get even worse from people you don’t know or care about.

“It's already hard enough. That’s the biggest thing I would say. But again, I’m not going to say it’s an easy thing. Personally I don't care, it doesn’t bother me, but for people, I get why it bothers them.”

• On players who cheat during practice sets:

“Oh, there’s a lot of guys who hook. Oh, God, brutal. Brutal. I’m not going to name names, but brutal.

“It’s just comedy to me. Again, you know, these practice sets aren’t going on ESPN. I don’t get why people do it. But, hey, man, whatever floats your boat.”

Last but not least: A dirty “disgrace”

When it comes to packing for his day’s work, Tiafoe isn’t exactly a minimalist. (See above tweet.)

The American’s excessive attire came up again today, when he was asked about his large laundry.

“Yeah, it's a disgrace,” he said.

Tiafoe said he has eight pairs of shoes at the ready, but only brought three to today’s match. (He’s going to get another pair tomorrow.)

As for shirts? He figured he brought 20 of them to Queens.

Any particular reason, besides the stifling heat?

“It’s better just to be overprepared than not,” he said. “Obviously can't just get to the hotel so quick in Manhattan. Takes a while to get back.

“I'm happy I've been able to keep everything with me, to be honest with you, because I lose everything. I’ve been doing pretty well with that so far, especially in the majors.”