"I walked in wearing shades and Coco Gauff started clowning me, saying, ‘Frances thinks he’s too cool": Frances Tiafoe shares stories from US tennis dinner in Rome

Frances Tiafoe is through to the Last 32 at the Rome Open after the American took down Ignacio Buse in three sets losing the first in a tie-break before coming back to seal a 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 win

Tiafoe now faces Andrea Pellegrino who was leading 4-0 before Arthur Fils decided to retire. “Yeah, I mean, it’s all about what’s in front of you, right? There’s so much peace in the present," said Tiafoe on Tennis Channel.

“For me, those types of wins, six months ago, a year ago, I probably lose those matches. Feeling sorry for yourself and doing all that. Now it’s just about keeping going. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel if you keep going, or at least you hope to find it. But I can guarantee there’s none if you just lay down.

“The biggest thing for me is just not laying down and continuing to work.”

For the American entertainer, though, it is all about a new process and mindset and not giving up when the going gets tough. "I just love going through the process now. Like, ‘This sucks. This is terrible.’ I got broken three times and lost an awful set that I should’ve won, but you see it through.

“It’s about seeing things through when it’s tough and actually enjoying it when it’s tough. There’s nothing else I’m here for other than playing tennis, so just keep going and keep playing tennis. Then you end up winning relatively comfortably after that, so it was good. It was fun.”

It also marked Tiafoe bringing his brand of entertainment onto Pietrangeli, something he loved. “Oh, it’s crazy. One of the most beautiful courts ever. The energy was unbelievable from the moment we walked on.

“I had a great time out there, and I’m glad they put me on that court. There was a lot of love for my opponent too. Italian fans are super knowledgeable, and they appreciate high-level tennis. Every time we had tough rallies, no matter who won the point, they went crazy. I really enjoy playing out here and it’s nice to get a win in Rome.”

Skipping Madrid and Monte-Carlo, he explained it was a measured decision based on the length of the season and not feeling his best. “I wasn’t feeling totally 100 per cent. I took the end of last year off, but then I played a lot early this season. After the Australian Open I played Dallas, Delray Beach, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Miami and Houston, so I’d been going deep in tournaments and winning a lot of matches.

“So I thought, ‘Why not reset, get the body right and feel great for Rome, potentially next week, and then Roland Garros and Wimbledon?’

“For me right now it’s quality over quantity. I want to peak at the big events and I thought skipping some tournaments would help with that.”

The Americans all went out to dinner from Coco Gauff to Iva Jovic and also Tiafoe and he spoke about the bond they all share and jokes. “It was great. Ben Shelton was actually 45 minutes late with me, so at least I wasn’t alone. He texted me saying, ‘Yo, I’m tripping, I’m 30 or 40 minutes late.’ So he waited for me and we walked in together so it didn’t look as bad. As soon as we got there, it was all jokes. I walked in wearing shades and Coco Gauff started clowning me, saying, ‘Frances thinks he’s too cool.’

“I told them, ‘When your future’s so bright, you’ve got to protect the vision.’ But honestly, all jokes aside, it was really cool seeing everybody relax together. We all went for gelato afterwards, just laughing and being normal. No coaches, no teams — just players hanging out, being themselves and joking around. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in expectations, travelling and competing that it’s good to just unwind a little. I think it helps.”

But also it's a new conception for the clay court as he comes in having reached the Quarter-Finals of Roland Garros so very much now a surface he thrives on also “For sure. I’ve had a great start to the season and won a bunch of matches, so now I’m looking at it thinking, ‘Why not do better?’

“I’m not going into Roland Garros thinking I need to defend a quarter-final. I’m going there wanting to be around at the end of the tournament.

“Honestly, Roland Garros was never really a Slam where I thought I had much of a shot before. But after making the quarters last year, I realised, ‘Oh wow.’ And I wasn’t even as fit as I am now or mentally where I am now. So I’m excited.”