Big Talk With Big Foe

Lucy and Eugene close out 2020 in style and bring you an exclusive interview with American world No 59 Frances Tiafoe

Away From the Court We started off by talking about favourite countries/cities to travel to; watching Power and How to Get Away With Murder; Burna Boy, Wizkid, Drake and Nipsey Hussle on the playlist; African cuisine including jollof rice and fufu; and last but not least Frances’ beloved Washington Wizards.

Reflecting on 2020 Frances explained his reasoning behind playing Challengers early in the season. He also spoke about adding former top 10 player Wayne Ferreira to the coaching team, which was something he and coach Zack Evenden were talking about doing in 2019.

Impact on the Game The powerful Racquets Down, Hands Up video put together in the summer with the help of girlfriend Ayan Broomfield and getting black players from around the world on board.

– Frances also spoke about “paying it forward” and the big bro relationship he has with Robin Montgomery and Hailey Baptiste, two American teenagers with big futures ahead.

Back on Court Look back to the great tennis played in the New York bubble – taking Andy Murray to three sets at the Western & Southern Open in an empty stadium; reaching the second week at the US Open for the first time.

– After a first-round, five-set defeat to Jan-Lennard Struff at the French Open, Frances closed out the year well, winning Challenger Tour title number five in Parma, then reached the semi-finals in Nur-Sultan (ATP 250). Mark out of 10 for the season?

– We also find out what his targets are going into 2021 and find out what he’s been up to in pre-season. Frances also spoke about overcoming covid in the summer.

Super grateful to Frances for giving us his time. Also, appreciate coach Zack for setting it all up for us.

*Shouts out to everyone who clocked who we were speaking to from that snippet on the socials. Wishing all our listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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