Hyattsville native Frances Tiafoe could have played in the Paris Olympics but turned down the opportunity to play at the Mubadala DC Citi Open, his hometown tournament. Tiafoe’s decision was two-fold. He loves playing in DC and he feels that playing on hard courts prepares him better for the U.S. Open although he admitted watching the U.S. team on a boat during the opening ceremonies in Paris was “brutal, brutal, brutal…that was a tough day.”
Several players made similar decisions because the Olympics is being contested on clay which is difficult for some to transition to and from hard courts. The Citi Open is played on hard courts which prepares players better for the U.S. Open, also played on hard courts, which begins August 26.
Tiafoe, ranked 29th in the world, told MCM that he considers the Citi Open the fifth biggest tournament on his calendar then amended that to fourth over the French Open. This is his 8th time playing in DC. He has has yet to win.
I asked Hyattsville native @FTiafoe where he ranked the @mubadalacitidc on his list of important tournaments. @mymcmedia
🎥: DC News Now pic.twitter.com/6cb2JLETiw— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) July 30, 2024
Tiafoe, the tournament’s fifth seed, is scheduled to play his first match on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
