Tiafoe Isn’t Kyrgios

I can’t begin to count the number of times Frances Tiafoe has been compared to Nick Kyrgios by television commentators. The comparison seems inapt to me. Kyrgios is so negative on the court so often, cursing and muttering to himself all too often when things go wrong and throwing his racquet down when he loses various points plus periodically saying he wants to soon retire from the sport and raise a family. Which is all his choice of course and some people enjoy.

Yes, Kyrgios has gotten his act more together on the court this year than he has in any year past, getting to the finals of Wimbledon this year. And he’s a great talent, that much is evident, as he showed winning the Australian men’s doubles this year. He was no slouch at this year’s U.S. Open either and his ranking is rising.

But Tiafoe is so much more positive, often smiling wryly on the court and thoroughly enjoying the sport, bringing a joy to the game and fans alike. All who are left in the tournament—Alcaraz, Ruud, Swiatek and Jabeur—impress me as being more kindred spirits to Tiafoe than Kyrgios. 

Yes, Tiafoe and Kyrgios are both winners, but I’m rooting for joyful players like Tiafoe every time.