To get a former player that has been there and has that extra intel. Jose Higueras is a great coach for that and a great person as well.
Frances Tiafoe
Some days, obviously, I am like 'Today is not the day,' but you got to push through, especially when my aspirations are to be pro, you can't have any bad days.
I'm a pretty good problem solver.
I know in the back of my head I have a Grand Slam win, which definitely takes a lot off of me, a big load off.
I learned that I could definitely play at a really high level and I definitely belong at this level.
I knew I was going to play pro tennis when I was 12.
I have fun when it's the right time to have fun, but when I lock in for practice and matches, I'm not worried about fun.
I think winning at Wimbledon's huge. This is the biggest tournament in tennis for so many different reasons. You can see the history around the grounds. The Village around you, everyone lives for it.
Clay... is my favorite surface.
He's an absolute icon. Everything he brings, how he carries himself. Never having trouble with the media, never done anything wrong. He's a superstar for a reason. He's LeBron James for a reason.
It's hard to win Grand Slams.
When I met Jay-Z and Beyonce I was in awe, stuttering like crazy. This guy grew up in the projects and he and Beyonce are a billionaire couple. The empires they've built, affecting so many lives, is unbelievable.
This is what I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to be a professional tennis player.
I had a lot of Pokemon Pikachu t-shirts on court and hand-me-downs from other kids.
I don't let it get to my head because there have been plenty of good juniors that haven't made it to the big stage.
There's no reason trying to fit in: Just be you. That was the biggest thing for me, just being me, and finding what works for me.
It's good to bring a different feel to tennis, and that's what I feel like I bring. I bring a different feel, a different swagger to tennis. I'm very easygoing, and very nonchalant, it looks like, when I'm out there - I've got a little strut, and I like that.
I know it's a cliche to say, 'There isn't anything you can't do if you believe,' but that's something I subscribe to, even if it's corny.
I want to take initiative; I know my game and I know what I need to do to win.
You can't forget your roots.
The U.S. Open is so special, and I'm not even saying that as an American. I just can't envision a better atmosphere.
I obviously wasn't a normal tennis story.
How many years have I been watching the U.S. Open? Since I was a little kid.
I always dreamed of being on center court, playing the best in the world.
I've been playing against really good guys. Put myself in positions to win. Eventually I'll win more than I lose these.
For a while I feel like I can play against anyone in the world.
Being back home is a great thing for me, being with my family, being with friends, being with people that have got your back no matter what.
I have that balance of having fun - because I can need to have a ton of fun - but also locking it in at times.
I'm putting constant pressure on my opponents and really dictating play.
I'm really trying to understand my game.
Obviously, Jay Z definitely got my attention. I thought it was pretty cool that he wanted me on the team.
Anybody plays a good match, you can beat anybody on a given day.
I need to get a lot better.
Obviously it's how bad do you really want to be successful, essentially. Like, what does that really mean to you? Why are you doing it?
Look, I'm not saying you can't make it if you grew up from a wealthy situation. I mean, a ton of people have.
Tennis needs some different personalities and a lot more emotions.
Guys are so good. It's just about how badly you want it. I want it real bad.
It's all about competing.
I'm going for the big moments - I want the big moments. I just tell myself, 'Remember the work you did, the things you went through. And keep going.'
Obviously, maturity helps, knowing that you definitely have to make every day a good day. If not, somebody else is out there putting in the work.
I'm not perfect. But I hold myself to a high standard every day.
I maximize every day.
To see my brother, see my friends, I think it builds character for me, just being accountable for myself.
I've had signs I can play at the highest level.
It really shaped me as a person going to DeMatha. Anyone that plays athletics or does music or does whatever, it teaches them to work to the best of their abilities.
It's not like everything was given to me. I had to really work hard for it and earn it.
I've been on a tennis court all my life. The only thing that's been there longer is the net post.
I'm very thankful for what I have. I don't want to let anyone down.
I think about all the kids that look up to me now... Things are possible if you go get it.
I was lucky; I got so many opportunities.
