American tennis star Frances Tiafoe got candid about how much mental toughness factors in to his victories.
Tiafoe, who is one of two American men, along with Taylor Fritz, who will be ranked in the top 10 for the first time in 11 years, said being able to place the ball on the court is only half the battle.
“The physical is a huge part of winning and playing at this level, but mental toughness, I believe, is really what gets you over the hump and helps you win big matches,” Tiafoe told Fox News Digital.
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Venus Williams has partnered with BetterHelp, an online therapy platform that gives customers access to licensed therapists. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“It’s been great to partner with Betterhelp and everything they’re doing to spread awareness around mental health,” Tiafoe told Fox News Digital.
Tiafoe said if any players had proved the importance of mental toughness, it’s the Williams sisters. For over 20 years, Venus and Serena have been two of the most famous faces of the sport.
Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Shang Juncheng of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
As for Tiafoe’s own self-care, he said he takes time to let his body rest and recover, and travels home to D.C. to spend time with family and friends.
“Just chilling out and doing things that make me happy,” he said.
Tiafoe will next compete in his own backyard in this summer’s Mubadala Citi Open. It was his recent win over Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff at the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart that secured his entrance into the Top 10 in the ATP rankings.