The Olympics marks a special event for any athlete, irrespective of their sports. However, not many athletes get to participate in the event. But, what about those players who had no option but to opt out of it for a specific reason? America’s Frances Tiafoe opened up about his sorrows regarding the Paris Olympics with a slight cheer for his friends.

Tiafoe opted not to attend the Paris Olympics, as he wanted to prioritize the American swing. Initially, Tiafoe didn’t feel bad about his decision, until the opening ceremony in Paris. While attending the Citi Open, Tiafoe was asked whether he found his decision difficult now that the Olympics is going on and the American ATP star was visibly sad. “Yeah, brutal, brutal. Brutal, yeah. It’s tough. More tough just like seeing everybody on the boat and stuff like that. That was a tough day. I had to play later that day in Atlanta. I’m like, Yeah, I’m turning off every TV and social media. That would have been a cool experience,” he said.

While Tiafoe expressed his sadness, he also revealed the reason behind his decision. “But actually being here in D.C., understanding what I’m trying to do, where I’m trying to peak at. It’s great. Again, I’m young. I plan to be in L.A. I also had to look at my body. Still trying to get my knee 100%. To go grass, clay, hard court again, I don’t think that would have been the smartest thing for me.”

 For Tiafoe, the US Open has been a main focus. That’s why he decided not to change surfaces and bring more stress to his knees. Despite the sadness, he congratulated his friends, “But all the best to those guys. Hopefully they’ll come back with medals.”

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 5, 2024 Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. celebrates after winning the third set during his third round match against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS/Isabel InfantesThe ATP star injured his knee while playing at the 2019 Queen’s Club Championships. He fell on the ground while playing against Rinky Hijikata in the match’s third set. After this injury, Tiafoe faced constant problems with his form and played one match after 2022. Given that his knee has impacted his form, Big Foe wasn’t confident enough to change surface before the US Open.

Despite his sadness, Tiafoe looks forward to facing off against Daniel Elahi Galan at the Citi Open’s round of 32 tomorrow. While he is prepping up for the US Open through these tournaments, his parents have an adorable message for their talented tennis player son.

Frances Tiafoe revealed his parents asked him “to enjoy” his upcoming US Open stint

Tiafoe’s off and on-court positivity has garnered him much spotlight and a favorable place in people’s hearts. While Big Foe is waiting to try his luck again at the US Open, his parents are already delighted with his achievements so far. Not to forget, Tiafoe had to exit the 2023 US Open after accepting defeat against Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals. This time he is trying to be prepared enough to take down any strong opponent.

“They are just telling me to enjoy it. They never thought in a million years I would be in this situation. They just tell me not to put pressure on myself and just remember you being that kid that playing in the U.S. Open would be an achievement in itself, They just want me to go out there and compete my hardest and they know when I’m having fun out there, how well I can play — so not make the moment bigger than what it seems like,”  he said.

Immigrating from Sierra Leone to America amid the war in the 1990s, Big Foe’s parents are already proud of their talented son. While he couldn’t attend the Paris Olympics, his followers hoped he would recover fully from his knee injury and participate in the next Olympics as a great representative of his country.