Amidst all the banter and entertainment, a certain side of Frances Tiafoe often goes under the radar. The world number 10 has always been supportive of women’s tennis players, especially the Williams sisters. He has been one of the biggest Serena Williams fans on the tour and never missed out on an opportunity to express his admiration for the 23-time major champion. This was particularly evident in his recent interview.

Recently, Tiafoe was asked about Venus Williams, and the Stuttgart Open champion was full of admiration. He was impressed by the fact that she could keep maintaining a high level at 43 years of age in arguably the most physical era of tennis.

Tiafoe speaks on Venus Williams and the physicality of modern-day tennis

The American believes that modern-day tennis is more physical than how it was a few years ago. He said in his press conference for the Cinch Championships, “Everyone is so athletic, everyone moving so fast. I mean, anybody at the top of the game is a great mover. Yeah, I mean, it’s getting brutal with the racquets and everything.”

When asked about Venus Williams, he added, “Hats off to her. 40-some and battling right now with the career she’s had and the person she is. Still want to do that. To see how pumped she is after a win like that, it just shows you it’s different, honestly. I don’t know if I have it in me“. Tiafoe did not just admire her level, but also the motivation to keep going at this age. Williams’ ability to compete in long three-setters in this era amazed Tiafoe.

Tiafoe has always been around the Williams sisters throughout his nascent career. In 2019, the world number 10 had the luxury of playing doubles with his idol. Only a few are lucky enough to get that opportunity in their career.

READ MORE: 9 Months After His ‘Big Sis’ Shout-Out, Frances Tiafoe Receives Inspiring Message From Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian as He Scripts American Tennis History

When Tiafoe played mixed doubles with Venus Williams

Frances Tiafoe paired up with Venus Williams for the Wimbledon mixed doubles back in 2019. The duo lost in the second round, but Tiafoe would cherish that memory forever irrespective of the result. It was also the first time Williams entered the mixed doubles section of a slam since 2006.

Williams, however, went on to play mixed doubles in the next two editions of Wimbledon. She paired up with Nick Kyrgios in 2021 and Jamie Murray in 2022. With less than two weeks to go for this year’s Wimbledon, can we see Tiafoe pair up with his idol Venus Williams again in the mixed doubles? Do let us know in the comments.

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