Frances Tiafoe ready to take that next step in his career
Frances Tiafoe feels that 2024 will be a year where he needs to take his game to the next level and make a statement in the big tournaments.
Tiafoe admitted to being excited and raring to go in Hong Kong, where he will start his season as the No 3 seed.
The American is yet to win at Masters level or above on the ATP Tour but has pushed into the top ten for the first time through the 2023 season.
Tiafoe will have a bye through the first round and so won’t be in action until at least 2 January.
“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,” Tiafoe said in Hong Kong.
“The last couple of seasons have been pretty good, definitely in the right direction.
“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.
“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.”
Its a strong field for the Hong Kong Open with Russians Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov the top two seeds.
Khachanov is a player who might feel in a similar boat to Tiafoe given how close he has come to winning big titles.
The Russian spent the off-season with his family but has also worked on his game.
“Very important to get some big matches in, that’s why the field is so strong,” said Khachanov. “At the beginning of the season everyone is pumped, ready to give everything, show what they have done in pre-season, whilst being re-charged too.
“It’s very important to take one match at a time, to get as many matches under my belt before the Australian Open, but at the same time, I need to focus on the here and now to get the best out of it.”
Competing in the main draw of an ATP Tour event is a dream come true in itself for local wild card Chak Lam Coleman Wong. The 19-year-old first picked up a racquet at the Hong Kong Open host club, now providing the perfect platform for taking his ATP bow.
“I feel really special and happy because it’s my first one,” said the 19-year-old.
“My first tennis memory was playing on Court 3, my first ever tennis lesson was out there! I would say I’ve come a long way in those 14 years of tennis since starting at 5.
“There’s a lot of emotions. To have an ATP 250 here, in this park, is very special to me. Obviously there will be a bit of pressure on myself. I want to do well at home, but I’ll just try my best. Going from watching these players on TV, to playing next to them onsite is another feeling. I’m really excited.”
READ MORE: These five ATP stars are threatening a big title breakthrough
