"Try to get some good popcorn matches in": Frances Tiafoe aims for next step in tennis career in 2024
ATP
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.
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