"Try to get some good popcorn matches in": Frances Tiafoe aims for next step in tennis career in 2024
ATPMonday, 01 January 2024 at 02:00
Frances
Tiafoe expresses his hope that 2024 will be the year he takes a significant
step forward on the ATP Tour and becomes a prominent figure in major
tournaments. The American will kick off his season at the ATP 250 Hong Kong
Open, where he is the third seed, as part of his preparation for the 2024
Australian Open.
So far,
Tiafoe has won three tournaments, all ATP 250 events, two of them in 2023. In
April, he clinched the title at the Houston Open by defeating the Argentine
Tomas Etcheverry in the final (7-6, 7-6). Two months later, he secured the
trophy at the Stuttgart Open on grass, overcoming local player Jan-Lennard
Struff in the final (4-6, 7-6, 7-6): “The last couple of seasons have been
pretty good, definitely in the right direction,” said the world No. 16.
Next goals
'Big Foe'
mentioned that he is ready to pursue greater success on the Tour: “It's
excitement. I'm going to be 26 this year in a little bit and I'm ready to kinda
take that next step. The last couple of seasons have been pretty good,
definitely in the right direction,” Tiafoe said in Hong Kong.
“I feel
good, ready to go. Obviously, every tournament you play you want to win it, but
I want to get some matches in, play well and try to get some good popcorn
matches in,” Tiafoe added. “It's always good to see where you're at early in
the year, test the waters out. It's a real tough field, I see a lot of good
names here.”
In Hong
Kong, he faces a tough main draw with competitors such as world No. 5 Andrey
Rublev, No. 14 Karen Khachanov, and the Argentine No. 21 Francisco Cerundolo.
Tiafoe will start the tournament with a bye as the third seed and will debut in
the second round against the winner between Miomir Kecmanovic and a qualifier.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
Loading
