Frances Tiafoe may be struggling to grab titles, but he’s certainly getting all the laughs. His humor and “positive energy” are his greatest weapons, according to fans and fellow players. Even his coach, David Witt, joined his team in July 2024, agrees. David knew Tiafoe well before becoming his coach, following a tough third-round exit at Wimbledon last year. Together, they’ve seen improvements in Tiafoe’s game, reaching semifinals and quarters in tournaments like Atlanta, Citi Open, US Open, and the finals at Cincinnati. However, 2025 hasn’t been easy, with early exits in previous tournaments. But Tiafoe and Witt make the most of it!
Tiafoe’s Double Sunshine campaign didn’t go as planned. However, he made an impressive comeback in Houston, reaching the final after defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6 (3). This was his fourth win over Nakashima. During the post-match interview, the spotlight shifted to Witt’s interesting clothing choice. Witt sported a hat with “FOCUS” in bold letters, a departure from the usual sponsored attire. When asked if this was a message for Tiafoe, he quipped, “I think it’s a message for him…make sure to bring the rackets. I think it’s more for him, more than anything.” He took a playful dig at his coach’s earlier blunder.
You might remember that hilarious moment at Indian Wells when Tiafoe showed up to face Damir Dzumhur looking all business in his fresh Lululemon kit and white Beats headphones. However, things took a turn when he found his racquet bag empty – no Yonex sticks in sight! He informed the umpire, Aurélie Tourte, and his opponent about the situation, and then his coach sprinted off to find the missing racquets. Tiafoe later joked about the incident, saying, “I don’t know what had me more sick forgetting my rackets or buddy leaving me hanging.” Now, he’s bringing that joke back for his coach!
Frances Tiafoe didn’t stop there! He added, “I’m surprised he hasn’t worn a wristband with it or T-shirt with FOCUS after what happened in Indian Wells.” Despite the delay, he won the match in straight sets, 7-6(4), 7-6(7). Although he didn’t make it past the second round, Tiafoe remains in good spirits about it.
Especially when Witt has had a storied coaching career. In the past, he worked with tennis legends like Serena Williams and Jessica Pegula. Right before Frances, Witt had just split from his partnership with Pegula, which began in 2019 and lasted until early 2024. During that time, she rose to a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world and won several titles, including her first WTA 1000 title.
However, his racket mishap seems like something Tiafoe isn’t going to let go of easily. However, David doesn’t seem too bothered by it; he was all smiles. The chemistry between the two as player and coach is evident. And it has been since the inception of this partnership!
Frances speaks about the impact of having David Witt on his team
Last year, Frances Tiafoe took a significant step forward at the 2024 Cincinnati Open by defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the Round of 64. The match ended with a score of 6-3, and 7(8), 6(6), marking a strong start for Tiafoe. Post-victory, he spoke with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj about his new coaching partnership. He praised Witt’s approach, saying, “He was open. Obviously, I was looking for a while, and our personalities kind of fit, you know. He’s super easygoing, you know, short kind of on information but gives quality information and doesn’t try to overcoach. So it’s been it’s been super easy right away.”
Tiafoe’s admiration for Witt is rooted in the coach’s extensive experience, notably his successful stint with Venus and Serena Williams. He highlighted Witt’s experience, noting, “He did an incredible job with Venus and Serena living at their place at the time.” The chemistry between Tiafoe and Witt is undeniable; they share a quirky sense of humor, with Tiafoe admitting, “We’ve been getting along having a great time, we’re both a little weird in a way where we just say off the jokes and stuff like that.”
Now the American is set to appear for his first finals match in seven months! Will he be successful in reclaiming the crown of the Houston Open? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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