Over the years, many black athletes from the USA have raised their voices against racial discrimination. Inevitably, their powerful words inspire people, both in and out of their sport. Frances Tiafoe is someone who grew up watching and reading about the incredible impact of athletes like Serena Williams, Arthur Ashe, Muhammad Ali, and Jesse Owens in the fight against racism. All of these idols have influenced Tiafoe, especially Arthur Ashe, who took things up a notch during apartheid.

Arthur Ashe was mostly a pacifist during his time as a player. However, the ATP legend changed his demeanor during apartheid, which saw the mistreatment of the black community in South Africa. While Ashe was in the country, a kid kept following him around, which irritated Ashe. However, that particular child’s story changed the American legend forever, as Ashe was the first free black man that the child had seen in his life.

Frances Tiafoe opens up about his biggest influence in social activism

Big Foe is currently in Spain for the Madrid Open. While in the Spanish capital, he interviewed with El Pais, a Spanish daily news outlet. He discussed several topics related to his game and his life. Another topic that Tiafoe discussed was the problem of racial discrimination that has been pervasive around the world. 

Tiafoe is one of the few players who has tried to improve the situation. When asked if he thought of himself as an activist, Tiafoe replied in the affirmative. He said that he believes everyone plays their part by standing up for people.

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Tiafoe also gave a unique answer when the host asked if his inspirations were Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela when it came to activism. Tiafoe stated that he did take inspiration from them. Rather, it was Arthur Ashe who inspired him greatly. He specifically mentioned his time during the Apartheid, which became the time Ashe actually participated in activism. 

“All of those guys, even Arthur Ashe, during Apartheid it was crazy what he was doing. There have been a lot of influential Black people, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama for that matter too. It’s been amazing to see the road of so many great activists and what they’ve been able to do“.

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Frances Tiafoe is an outspoken player who has taken inspiration from some great personalities in history. Following in the footsteps of Ashe, he became only the second African-American player to reach the US Open semifinal. The Maryland native tries to keep paving the path started by his predecessors and wants to ensure a trouble-free future for the upcoming generation.