“I’ve been in Top 20 for a couple years now. And now I can just kind of keep going and keep pushing and try to get back to where I need to be in the top of the game,” a dejected Frances Tiafoe said after falling short in the 2024 Cincinnati Open final. While he captured hearts with his rise, most notably during last year’s US Open SF, his form has since wavered, with no titles to his name this season. And now, as Roland Garros approaches, former US Open champion Andy Roddick is turning heads by backing an autistic American ATP star over Tiafoe. But who’s the rising threat?
Frances Tiafoe’s this year European clay campaign has been anything but smooth. After early exit in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, he briefly caught a break in Madrid Open, advancing to the 2nd round after Luciano Darderi retired. However, Matteo Arnaldi ended his run in the R16. His struggles continued with a 1st-round loss at the Italian Open and a straight-sets defeat to 37-year-old Roberto Bautista Agut at the Hamburg Open.
And while Tiafoe’s form dips deeper, Andy Roddick seems to have shifted his support. Ahead of Roland Garros, he is throwing his weight behind a rising 23-year-old American, who recently defeated Tiafoe in the ATP Houston final to lift the trophy, making a bold pick over the more seasoned but struggling Big Foe.
In a recent episode of the “Served” podcast, Andy Roddick offered his bold predictions for the upcoming Roland Garros, breaking down both the men’s and women’s draws. While discussing Frances Tiafoe’s path, Roddick placed the American into the 3rd round, forecasting wins over 27-year-old Roman Safiullin and Argentine Francisco Comesana. However, in a potential R3 matchup against fellow American Jenson Brooksby, Roddick made a bold choice. “JW needs a story to write, and we’re going to get it for him. I’m going Brooksby to the fourth round,” he addressed.
Roddick also backed another American contender, Taylor Fritz, to push deep into the draw. The former top seed picked Fritz to advance to the QF, citing his recent form. “I’m going to take Fritz to the quarters. I think I like the fact that he’s winning a couple of matches in Geneva,” he explained.
Frances Tiafoe of United States during the match against Sebastian Ofner of Austria at the Internazionali BNL d Italia 2025 tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome, Italy on may 10, 2025. AntoniettaxBaldassarre
For Brooksby, well, 2024 has seen a notable turnaround after a rough start. Following a series of 1st round exits at the AO, Cleveland Open, Dallas Open, and an R16 finish in San Diego, he managed a breakthrough at Indian Wells, reaching the R32. Although he exited early in Miami, his triumph at the Houston Open turned heads.
Brooksby defeated Taylor Fritz in the SF and then stunned Frances Tiafoe in the final, claiming his 1st ATP title. “It means the world. It was one of my biggest goals ever since I have been a professional tennis player. It means a lot to have my first one. It’s probably the best week of my life,” he said.
His resurgence is even more impressive given the adversity he’s faced. After serving an 18-month ban, later reduced to 13 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport’, for 3 whereabouts failures, his comeback has been anything but ordinary. Injuries during his suspension only compounded the difficulties, but the biggest revelation came last December, when he shared on his Instagram story that he had lived with autism until the age of four. He underwent 40 hours a week of intensive ABA therapy, and the past 23 months tested him further. Yet, he returned with renewed determination at the Australian Open and quickly tasted success with a breakthrough win in Houston.
Meanwhile, Tiafoe won’t take this prediction lightly. The resilient American is determined to flip the script and continue grinding toward a major title, his aim. His path may be steep, but his drive remains undeterred till date.
“It’s never been easy”: Frances Tiafoe on his drive for success
Frances Tiafoe’s story is one of perseverance as well as deep-rooted grit. Raised at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland, he and his twin brother Franklin got their start in tennis while their father, Frances Sr., worked as the head of maintenance and custodian. Tiafoe’s father’s commitment established the groundwork for his son’s professional tennis career, enabling his success despite limited resources and a modest upbringing.
Ahead of his 2nd-round match in Madrid on April 27, Tiafoe reflected on his journey during an appearance on ‘The Change Over Podcast.’ “Honestly, like when I’m really like in a tough, tough spot, I’m like bro, you just build for this. I like it’s never been easy for you. You came from that. You started from the mud,” he said, offering a glimpse into the mindset that fuels his resilience.
A key part of his support system is his longtime girlfriend and now influencer, Ayan Broomfield. The Canadian-born tennis player, who competed collegiately at Clemson and UCLA, has been with Tiafoe since 2015. “She’s been with me for so long, ten years, is a constant source of strength. She’s always going to be there through all those ups and downs,” he shared, emphasizing the crucial role the 27-year-old plays in his life on and off the court.
Now, as Tiafoe prepares for his 1st-round match at Roland Garros on opening day, all eyes are on him. With his characteristic grit and hunger, can he make a strong case at the Parisian clay?
The post Ignoring Frances Tiafoe for Autistic American Star, Andy Roddick Stuns With Bold French Open Verdict appeared first on EssentiallySports.
