Frances Tiafoe: The Importance of Giving Back

I always reference this Arthur Ashe quote: “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” 

Take what you get in life, but always be giving. Always think about more than just yourself. How can you not only impact yourself, but impact others and put people in positions to win? That’s ultimately the biggest thing. I look at those who struggle, those in low-income communities, and ask myself: how is me playing tennis going to put them in a position to win? How can I do that and be creative? There are so many layers to that quote, and they are words I try to live by every day.

You’ve got to have the mindset that whatever you do, you’re not doing it all for yourself. I like how social media can be used, but I do things because I want to make a difference. I don’t need to get a phone out and post about it every time. That’s not what it’s about. Shaq is a great example. He goes every Thanksgiving and gives a huge amount of turkeys to his community. Sometimes it’s documented, sometimes it’s not. But that’s not what it’s about.

It’s important for me to give back, for so many different reasons. I was that kid. I didn’t grow up with much, but I had a dream. I had a vision and attacked it every day. All that it took was an opportunity. I had a sniff of a chance and I ran with it. I’d like others to know that perseverance can take you to places you never thought were possible in your circumstances. Self-belief is a wonderful thing; a magical thing. Whenever I get the chance to talk to others—especially to kids—I try to drive that idea home with them. You always help the guys and girls coming after you. But you don’t want them to be just like you. Essentially, you want them to be better.

With younger players—like Robin Montgomery and Hailey Baptiste, who are both from the Washington, D.C., area—I always give back. I’ve had a relationship with Robin and Hailey for years, and I also do a lot through the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF), as well as for other causes in the city. I stay very involved with various inner-city tennis foundations. I think it’s so big knowing that someone who’s been through your struggles, someone of the same skin color cares and is there for you. You just can’t understate the importance of that; it gives you confidence. It’s someone you can just vent to and be real with—a person who can understand what you’re going through now and, hopefully, give you that blueprint for what lies ahead. I always want to be a sounding board for them and I’m always here for anything they need. I just want them to be great.

Photos: Tiafoe at the 2020 US Open (Essay continues below)