The tennis world is no stranger to the dynamic friendship between taskmaster Jessica Pegula and the free spirit Frances Tiafoe. Their off-court banter and entertaining conversations have often been a delightful spectacle, showcasing a bond that goes beyond the tennis courts. Their camaraderie is built on a foundation of mutual respect and admiration. Pegula, known for her disciplined approach and meticulous preparation, often finds a perfect counterbalance in Tiafoe’s laid-back and spontaneous demeanor. Speaking to Tennis Channel in an exclusive interview, Pegula opened up about her admiration for her compatriot Frances Tiafoe.
When asked about her reactions to Tiafoe’s latest statement, where he acknowledged Pegula as the best ball striker, the 30-year-old responded humbly. Chatting about Tiafoe, Pegula admitted that he is her biggest ‘hype man.’ “He also is like my biggest hype man. I’m just loaded with confidence whenever I when I hit with Francis.” Not long ago, Frances Tiafoe suggested that Pegula, his friend and occasional hitting partner, hits the “cleanest” ball of anyone on the pro tour, man or woman. He had admired her shots saying if they were not the most powerful, they were the most precise ones and best for today’s grass court surfaces. Pegula’s statement resonates with her past remarks about her compatriot.
In an interview featured on WTAtennis.com, Pegula earlier revealed the help she receives from Tiafoe. “My nerves usually come out in practice where I’m not hitting well and I’m freaking out, and Frances is just so happy-go-lucky. The biggest hype person ever.” Meanwhile, she further responded to her mixed-doubles partner’s statement of helping him up his skills.
Who do you think is the best hype man in tennis?
Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe have been spotted practicing together several times. They have often spoken about the help that both render to each other. Recently, Frances Tiafoe gave credit to Pegula for helping him get past his first-round match. Responding to the same, the WTA star said, “I am glad my, my practice helped them a little bit. He said it was, he said it was all me that got him through that match yesterday. I don’t think that’s true but um I am glad I was able to, to help a bit at least.” Tiafoe made a sensational comeback in his first-round match against Matteo Arnaldi from two down to win the match, 7(7)-6(5), 6-2, 1-6, 3-6, 3-6. This was not the first time when Tiafoe had made such a statement.
In an interaction before the United Cup tour last year, Tiafoe revealed how practicing with Pegula helped him. The ATP star said, “You will see a lot of Pegula-Tiafoe practices from this point until whenever she wants to hang it up, and I want to hang it up. She’s definitely risen my level to a whole other level. She’s unbelievable. Happy I got to hit with her.” Meanwhile, the American star has joined Novak Djokovic in breaking the golden Wimbledon rule.
Frances Tiafoe and Novak Djokovic break Wimbledon’s golden rule
Frances Tiafoe has joined Novak Djokovic in flouting one of the golden rules of Wimbledon, that too in the same year. The Grand Slam’s code of conduct stipulates that all competitors “must be dressed in suitable tennis attire that is almost entirely white” from the point of entering the court until the end of their matches. It also adds that “medical supports and equipment should be white if possible” however, they can be colored when “absolutely necessary.” However, both Tiafoe and Djokovic flouted this rule in this edition of Wimbledon.
The American tennis star injured his knee while slipping on the courts of the Queen’s Club last month, falling during his opener with Rinky Hijikata. This put his Wimbledon participation in mist. While he ultimately picked up the racquets, he was spotted in a black knee strap. Similar was the scenario for Novak Djokovic.
Nole, who sustained a knee injury during the French Open and underwent surgery, was seen wearing a grey knee strap in his first match. However, both the players sought prior approval for the same. “I actually just met (the) chairwoman just before walking onto the court. She gave me (the) thumbs up, so it was okay. Of course, we did check in the days prior if we have permission. We’re trying to find a white one, trust me,” Nole said earlier.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if the injuries that Tiafoe and Djokovic have sustained will pose any major challenges or if they will continue their winning momentum moving forward.