Frances Tiafoe has endured a tough start to his 2025 ATP campaign, suffering several disappointing defeats.
The American star began the year with ambitions of returning to the world’s top ten, having reached his second Grand Slam semi-final at the 2024 US Open.
Those dreams haven’t quite materialized, as Tiafoe currently resides at 17th, after struggling during the early months of the year.
Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Tiafoe was stunned by Fabian Marozsan in the second round of the Australian Open in January, before embarking on an uninspiring 4-4 run across his next four tournaments.
The 27-year-old looked to have rediscovered his form in Houston when Tiafoe reached the final of the US Men’s Clay Court Championships.
Losing to Jenson Brooksby in the final, Tiafoe failed to make an impression at any of his next three ATP tournaments (Monte-Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, Madrid Open).
Ahead of his return to action at the Italian Open, Tiafoe has given his verdict on one of his fellow Americans.
Frances Tiafoe says Tommy Paul is ‘much more serious’ now than he was before
Appearing as a guest on the Changeover podcast, Tiafoe shared his thoughts on some of his countrymen.
“Tommy [Paul] is much more serious now than he was before,” he said.
“Tommy was just as much of a clown as I was, doing anything, doing dumb s—, getting injured, jumping fences.
“Reilly [Opelka] as he got older, got much more talkative, saying anything, not afraid of any type of controversy.
“I’m not saying he’s not nice, but he loves confrontation. He loves [going] back and forth and clowning guys, he’s very funny.”
Opelka upset many with his comments about doubles recently, suggesting that the discipline was for ‘failed singles players’.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Tiafoe also revealed what he always does to Alexander Zverev, the German world number two.
“I always clown [Alexander] Zverev,” he said.
“He was feeling himself from the jump. He walked the same, he always had the chains on, the band, the long hair. He’s been feeling himself since the jump, that’s my guy though.”
The world number 17 was then asked to pick the five ATP players he’d most like to go on a night out with.
“Tommy is fun to go out with, [Nick] Kyrgios, of course, he loves going out,” said Tiafoe.
Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
“I want to say Gael [Monfils], Gael dances a tonne, it would be hilarious, but he doesn’t drink, so it’s kind of like…
“Back in the day, it was me [Thanasi] Kokkinakis, [Jack] Sock, Kyrgios, we did everything together, always out.”
Comparing Frances Tiafoe and Tommy Paul’s tennis achievements
Tiafoe thinks Paul has become ‘more serious’ over the years, and while that may be the case, the results certainly look to validate his change in attitude.
The 27-year-old broke into the top ten for the first time following his run to the quarterfinals in Melbourne earlier this year, reaching a career-high ranking of ninth.
The pair have both appeared in Grand Slam semi-finals and won big titles, but which player has enjoyed the most success?
Tommy Paul’s career achievements
- Career-high ranking – 9th
- Official ATP ranking – 12th
- ATP titles – 4
- Biggest ATP title – 2024 Queen’s (ATP 500)
- Best Grand Slam result – 2023 Australian Open – SF
Frances Tiafoe’s career achievements
- Career-high ranking – 10th
- Official ATP ranking – 17th
- ATP titles – 3
- Biggest ATP title – X 3 (ATP 250)
- Best Grand Slam result – 2022 US Open, 2024 US Open – SF
Hardly anything separates the pair in career achievements, although their head-to-head record tells a different story.
Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe’s head-to-head record
Paul leads the head-to-head 3-1, having turned things around after losing their first career meeting five years ago.
The world number 12 won their latest encounter at Delray Beach in 2024, dropping just four games as he eased into the final.
There will no doubt be more thrilling matches to come between the pair, as they continue to fight at the very top of men’s tennis.
Paul and Tiafoe are scheduled to return to action at the Italian Open, which begins on Monday, May 5.