Frances Tiafoe made his name at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park and is now ranked No. The setbacks and disappointments of close Grand Slam losses has only served as an affirmation to himself that he can compete with the best on the ATP World Tour. Since turning pro in 2015, the tennis prodigy from Hyattsville, Md., has received a Grand Slam main draw wildcard on three separate occasions, only to lose in the first round. I’m not shying away from competing with these guys or thinking I’m not ready for this, because I’m definitely ready for this level. 108 in the world, Tiafoe is part of a group of teenage hopefuls that are tasked with reviving men’s tennis in the United States.

Source: Washington Post January 17, 2017 19:15 UTC