Frances Tiafoe received a significant boost before his US Open match against Alexei Popyrin on Sunday, thanks to an unexpected pep talk from Serena Williams.
Tiafoe, who secured a 6-4, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-3 victory over Popyrin, will now face Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-finals. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, gave Tiafoe a motivational boost before the match.
Williams, who made a surprise appearance at Flushing Meadows, praised Tiafoe for his performance and acknowledged his role as a prominent player of color. Tiafoe was moved by Williams’ support.
“She told me she’s always following my progress and it’s great to see me doing well,” Tiafoe said. “It’s really cool that she sees me in that light.”
Williams returned to the tournament for the first time since her final match at Arthur Ashe Stadium two years ago. On Sunday, she was seen enjoying the “Honey Deuce” cocktail while watching the matches.
Tiafoe appreciated the personal encouragement from Williams, noting that her words had a unique impact on him. “It was really special to hear from her before the match,” he said. “I don’t think it would have hit me the same way if anyone else had said it.”
Williams also gave a pep talk to Dimitrov on Saturday, who was seen defeating Andrey Rublev in a five-set thriller. As Williams is friends with Dimitrov, she may have a tough choice when supporting players in the upcoming match.
