Frances Tiafoe was thrilled to see NBA legend Kevin Durant watching his opening match at the DC Open.

World No. 10 Tiafoe made a strong start at the ATP 500 event in Washington, winning his first match against Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5), in a dramatic contest that lasted over two hours.

Some extra motivation for the American may have been provided by the exciting knowledge that basketball star Durant was supporting him from the crowd,

"We are both staying at the Four Seasons,” he explained, “I saw KD, and I’m, like, Bro, I’m going to play Tuesday, Wednesday. I don’t know how long you’re staying, but it would be dope if you can come – He’s, like, 100 percent we’re going to make it happen."

Durant joined Tiafoe on the court after his win for a high-five and a hug, and was quick to praise the energy that the 25-year-old brought to the arena,

"there was a lot of energy in the building tonight. It was exciting, I’m glad he got the win.

"He’s just bringing, first of all, that energy from this area. He’s representing right, so we’re all proud of him," Durant said.

Tiafoe also expressed his joy at how far he's come over the years,

"Think about it. I was a kid who had an opportunity and dreamed massively big. Shouldn’t be doing any of these things, honestly. [I was] sneaking into this event, telling my parents I was going to be a pro at a super young age, against all odds, wearing hand-me-down clothes, holes in my shoes, cargo shorts," he said.

"Now I’m playing this tournament. People are here to see me. I’m packing it out. Doubles were nuts yesterday. Packed it out today. Guys like KD and [Kentavious] Caldwell-Pope and Gaff [Daniel Gafford] want to come see me play."

He went on to add how much it means to him that these stars come to watch him,

"I have just worked really hard over the years. I think it’s come from a great place. I’m super humble about it. I’m humble they want to take the time out and come and watch me play. Yeah, it’s so impactful, and it’s one of those things you want to keep these moments going."