“Asking Serena Williams, I Was Extremely Nervous” – Frances Tiafoe

Protests continue in the USA nearly two weeks after the horrific death of George Floyd, in police custody. The tennis community has also rallied to raise its voice against racism during these trying times. American star Frances Tiafoe sent a powerful message against racial discrimination along with current and past players.

Tiafoe collaborated with Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils, and many others to fight for equality for all. Subsequently, he has expressed his appreciation for the efforts of his fellow professionals making use of their platform to address the issue.

“I have a good relationship with all these guys” – Frances Tiafoe

“We came up with an idea of coming up with a good video. It’s going to be very powerful. Our idea was just to spread awareness. It’s not coming from a bad way. You don’t support one side or the other,” Tiafoe told Tennis United on ATP Tour.

Tiafoe explained that he tried to build awareness of a fact that rings true in America. He insisted that he stands for people who really come out and actually support this because if one person does it, then others will follow suit. Frances also acknowledges that there are a ton of people in America of color that have an amazing pull.

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“Reaching out to all those people. Luckily, I have a good relationship with all these guys. Asking Serena Williams, I was extremely nervous. She took it unbelievable and she said she was proud. I really appreciated her doing that. And Naomi Osaka did it with a quickness,” he continued.

Coco Gauff did some stuff before me. Sloane Stephens was also cool about it. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils were also cool about it. And obviously, those ex-players that were in there, Lori McNeil, Chanda Rubin, Zina Garrison, and James Blake,” he added.

“Being able to use my platform is massive for me. I hope I can do more and more of this. Hopefully not, hopefully, things change so I won’t have to,” Tiafoe concluded.