WATCH: Frances Tiafoe gets big embrace from NBA star Kevin Durant – ‘He’s bringing the energy’
Frances Tiafoe was able to count on the support of NBA legend Kevin Durant during his first round match at the Citi Open and afterwards he admitted “it was dope” to play in front of the superstar.
The second-seeded Tiafoe kicked off his ATP 500 campaign with a solid display against former Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev as he won 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) in a contest that lasted over two hours.
The American certainly brought the energy to Washington DC, much to basketball great Durant’s delight.
Asked after the match about his tennis, the two-time NBA champion replied: “Mine is non-existent. But 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.”
During the post-match press conference, Tiafoe explained why he was so excited to see Durant in the stands.
“It was dope. We are both staying at the Four Seasons,” he said. “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.”
Up next is Shang Juncheng from China in the third round after the qualifier upset 14th seed Ben Shelton 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
READ MORE: Frances Tiafoe would trade top ten spot for a Grand Slam win
Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from Sierra Leone, is currently sitting at a career-high No 10 in the ATP Rankings and he has come a long way from wearing hand-me-down clothes and fearing for his future.
“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 is quoted as saying by ATP Tour.
“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.
“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.”
