Frances Tiafoe has become the face of men’s tennis in America lately. His playing style, on-court friendly attitude, and determination have gained him a large fanbase. However, there is a saying that most fans are not aware of their favorite players’ struggles. This is pretty relevant in Tiafoe’s case.

Ever since Tiafoe started gaining popularity, more light has been given to his childhood. But many tennis fans are not aware of Tiafoe’s tough early years. From growing up at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in suburban Washington, D.C to becoming a top 10 player, he has come a long way.

Frances Tiafoe’s rough childood

Tiafoe grew up with very little facilities at his disposal. He would sleep on a massage bed while sharing it with his brother. Only get to see his mother on weekends. Dealing with nasty jokes about being from a poor family would add salt to the injury. There was never a bright day in his childhood. Now that Tiafoe returned to his hometown tournament in Washington, the American recalled those rough days.

He could still remember the defective shoes he played with and how he tried to enter the stadium back in the day. Tiafoe said, “I was just a kid who dreamed, I remember somehow sneaking in to watch the matches, I played with holes in my shoes and now I am here to play this tournament.”

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Returning to his home tournament, Tiafoe had recently revealed how he really wanted to win this tournament. In terms of importance, he put the Washington Open right below the Slams and Masters. However, his dream could not be fulfilled this year.

READ MORE: Frances Tiafoe Gives Wings to Countless Dreams as the American Tennis Ace Steps Up With a Noble Initiative for His Childhood Home

Daniel Evans spoils Tiafoe’s party

Tiafoe locked horns with the Briton, Dan Evans, in the quarter-final of the Washington Open. He started the match as an overwhelming favorite, but Evans displayed some sensational racket skills to edge over the local boy over two tight sets with a 6-4, 7-5 scoreline. It was an unexpected loss for Tiafoe, but he still has plenty of positives to take from this tournament.

But his dream to win the Washington Open in front of the home crowd has to wait until next year, at least.Do you think Frances Tiafoe can win the Washington Open in the near future? Let us know in the comments.

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