Remember last year when Frances Tiafoe stormed to the US Open semi-final? His game then hinges on a subtle shift in how he grips his racquet on returns, a tweak that’s turning heads and earning him a spot in the glory books. The adjustment, masterminded by his Argentine coach Jordi Arconada, has sharpened Big Foe’s forehand returns and unsettled his opponents, transforming him into a more lethal returner. Now, as his longtime hitting partner parts ways, reactions are pouring in from the tour, with stars like Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys weighing in on the change in Tiafoe’s camp.

Just a few moments ago, Jordi Arconada took to Instagram with a heartfelt carousel reflecting on his years with Frances Tiafoe. “After 5 years of hard work and fun it is time to let go. I will always be thankful for the opportunity you gave me to come work with you and I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved together. Super excited for what the future has in store for me and for new beginnings ❤️,” he wrote. The Argentine shared snapshots from their journey together, ending with the iconic moment when Tiafoe broke into the ATP top ten, a milestone etched forever in both their careers.

The post quickly went viral, with reactions flooding in from across the tennis world. Madison Keys commented, “The best duo,” while Jessica Pegula echoed, “The best duo 👏.” Tiafoe himself chimed in, “Thank you for riding w me brotha love 🤞🏿🤞🏿🤞🏿,” and Hailey Baptiste added, “👏🏾❤️.” Australian ace Alexei Popyrin reacted with a heart, while British player Julian Cash praised the pair: “My guy! Congrats to all you boys achieved together and good luck with what’s next.” The affection and respect from peers highlighted the magnitude of their bond.

Before becoming his full-time coach, Arconada and Tiafoe trained relentlessly together, often facing off in qualifying rounds, forging a connection built on competition and trust. But this chapter ended quietly, after what many described as a low-profile conclusion to a tumultuous season.

The separation reflected both professional and personal considerations, as the year had been anything but smooth for Big Foe.

Statistics told a stark story. Tiafoe’s service hold percentage, a hallmark of his 2023 campaign at 85%, slipped to 79% this year, a clear signal that things weren’t clicking. The decline was not just numerical; it mirrored the mental and physical weight of a season fraught with challenges. For a player known for his explosive energy, the drop in consistency was painfully visible.

Questions from fans, sponsors, and analysts mounted, intensifying the pressure. While many in the tennis media attributed the slump to burnout and fatigue, Tiafoe’s loyal supporters pointed to a lingering lower back injury sustained in Cincinnati, where he retired mid-match against Holger Rune in August. The theory carried weight: visible discomfort and subsequent retirements suggested that physical limitations had played a significant role in his struggles.

Now, as Tiafoe’s season teeters on the edge, the American ace has opened up about his challenges. In an emotional confession, he acknowledged the difficulties of back-to-back struggles, the pressure of expectations, and the harsh realities of professional tennis. 

While the split with Arconada closes a remarkable chapter, it also signals the beginning of a new journey, one that promises reinvention, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of Big Foe’s potential.

Frances Tiafoe opens up emotionally after consecutive struggles

Frances Tiafoe’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, and the American ace isn’t hiding the truth. Consistency has eluded him, his singles ranking slipped outside the ATP Top 25 by September, and he reached only one final in Houston while making the French Open quarterfinals. Against top-10 opponents, he’s struggled to find answers, a fact he acknowledged candidly.

Even before his Tokyo Open opener against Marton Fucsovics, Tiafoe summed up his campaign bluntly: “Average at best.” The self-assessment was sharp and honest, a reflection of both form and mindset. “I lost a lot of tough ones, struggled to put matches together like the three, four in a row that you kind of need to sit on top of the game.” For a player of his talent, missing those key sequences has been painful.

Tiafoe hasn’t added a title since Stuttgart in 2023, and the missed opportunities weighed heavily. “And I didn’t have a couple of big results that I normally have every year. I have a chance to end strong and put some things together. But ultimately, it’s been a very up-and-down year.” You can hear the frustration in his voice, a mix of grit and vulnerability.

He didn’t shy away from self-critique. “This year, I played nervous. Not at the level I’m capable of.” It was a raw acknowledgment, one that revealed as much about the mental grind as it did about on-court form. Between fatigue and disappointment, the notion of hitting reset started to make sense.

Even with early exits at the Japan Open and Shanghai Masters, Tiafoe’s focus remains forward. “You can expect a different version… Next year, I want to have one of the best seasons that I’ve ever had, and I want to start now.” The statement signals both reflection and resolve, a promise to himself and his fans.

With the 2025 season now closing, the question isn’t just how he performed, it’s how quickly he can turn the page. As 2026 looms, all eyes will be on Big Foe to see how fast he can transform frustration into fuel, setbacks into springboards, and potential into triumph.