My goal isn't to be a top junior. It's to be a top pro.
— Frances Tiafoe
If you stop working hard, that's when things get to your head.
If anything, you just let your racket talk - there's no reason for you to talk if your racket can.
I knew I was going to play pro tennis when I was 12.
People outside of tennis, all the famous actors and everyone, knows Wimbledon.
I just got to keep competing and keep believing.
I was lucky; I got so many opportunities.
I've been on a tennis court all my life. The only thing that's been there longer is the net post.
I've had signs I can play at the highest level.
I'm not perfect. But I hold myself to a high standard every day.
It's all about competing.
Look, I'm not saying you can't make it if you grew up from a wealthy situation. I mean, a ton of people have.
Anybody plays a good match, you can beat anybody on a given day.
I'm really trying to understand my game.
I have that balance of having fun - because I can need to have a ton of fun - but also locking it in at times.
For a while I feel like I can play against anyone in the world.
How many years have I been watching the U.S. Open? Since I was a little kid.
Without my dad doing what he did, and without me putting in the hours, there wouldn't be any travelling the world or playing with the pros. He's a huge part of it.
I want to take initiative; I know my game and I know what I need to do to win.
I never try to get ahead of myself because there's nothing that bothers me more than cockiness. I don't think that's necessary at all.
This is what I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to be a professional tennis player.
I think winning at Wimbledon's huge. This is the biggest tournament in tennis for so many different reasons. You can see the history around the grounds. The Village around you, everyone lives for it.
I learned that I could definitely play at a really high level and I definitely belong at this level.
I think about all the kids that look up to me now... Things are possible if you go get it.
It's not like everything was given to me. I had to really work hard for it and earn it.
To see my brother, see my friends, I think it builds character for me, just being accountable for myself.
Obviously, maturity helps, knowing that you definitely have to make every day a good day. If not, somebody else is out there putting in the work.
Guys are so good. It's just about how badly you want it. I want it real bad.
Obviously it's how bad do you really want to be successful, essentially. Like, what does that really mean to you? Why are you doing it?
To get a former player that has been there and has that extra intel. Jose Higueras is a great coach for that and a great person as well.
I'm putting constant pressure on my opponents and really dictating play.
It's good to bring a different feel to tennis, and that's what I feel like I bring. I bring a different feel, a different swagger to tennis. I'm very easygoing, and very nonchalant, it looks like, when I'm out there - I've got a little strut, and I like that.
I've been playing against really good guys. Put myself in positions to win. Eventually I'll win more than I lose these.
I obviously wasn't a normal tennis story.
I'm trying to... stay humble and keep doing what I do.
Clay... is my favorite surface.
Tennis is my life.
All credit to Robby Ginepri. He's helped me a lot.
It's an honor to play on the same team as some of the best players in the history of the game.
I know in the back of my head I have a Grand Slam win, which definitely takes a lot off of me, a big load off.
I'm very thankful for what I have. I don't want to let anyone down.
It really shaped me as a person going to DeMatha. Anyone that plays athletics or does music or does whatever, it teaches them to work to the best of their abilities.
I maximize every day.
I'm going for the big moments - I want the big moments. I just tell myself, 'Remember the work you did, the things you went through. And keep going.'
Tennis needs some different personalities and a lot more emotions.
I need to get a lot better.
Obviously, Jay Z definitely got my attention. I thought it was pretty cool that he wanted me on the team.
There's no reason trying to fit in: Just be you. That was the biggest thing for me, just being me, and finding what works for me.
Being back home is a great thing for me, being with my family, being with friends, being with people that have got your back no matter what.
I always dreamed of being on center court, playing the best in the world.
