Frances Tiafoe is competing again at the 2024 Cincinnati Open, a tournament where he performed strongly last year. The 27-year-old American reached the final in Ohio in 2023, ultimately losing to Jannik Sinner with scores of 7-6, 6-2. As the Masters 1000 event unfolds, Tiafoe aims to build momentum leading up to the upcoming US Open.
With the WTA Tour also in action at Cincinnati, Tiafoe has taken the opportunity to reflect on his training partnerships, particularly with fellow American players.
The Changing Dynamic Between Frances Tiafoe and Jessica Pegula in Practice
Tiafoe is well-known for enjoying practice sessions with players across both the ATP and WTA tours, especially fellow Americans. His friendship with Ben Shelton, highlighted before their match at the Citi Open, shows his strong connections within the sport. He also shares a close bond with Hailey Baptiste, ranked world number 51.
Among Tiafoe’s training partners, Jessica Pegula has stood out as someone he particularly enjoyed hitting with. However, Tiafoe recently told The Guardian that Pegula, now a 31-year-old and a major presence in women’s tennis, seems less interested in practicing with him these days.
She [Jessica Pegula] hits the ball so pure and right in pocket every time,
he said.
She’s pretty relaxed as well. But she doesn’t want to hit with me anymore,
Tiafoe added.
She’s made some finals now in some slams, 1000s, and she doesn’t want to talk to me as much any more. She got too big time for me. She forgot about the little people.
Jessica Pegula Reflects on the Benefits of Training with Frances Tiafoe
Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe started practicing together during the debut United Cup in 2023, a competition where their teamwork helped lead the USA to victory. Pegula spoke openly about how training with Tiafoe benefited them both during the 2023 Australian Open.
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,
Pegula said in an interview on the WTA website.
She explained that practicing with Tiafoe helped her relax and focus better, while he gained rhythm and confidence from their shared sessions.
He says he feels like the best player in the world when he hits with me. We give each other a little confidence, I guess.
What This Training Shift Means for Both Players
The noticeable change in Frances Tiafoe and Jessica Pegula’s training relationship reflects their evolving careers and rising profiles on the tour. Pegula’s recent success in major tournaments appears to have put some distance between them, at least on the practice court. Still, their earlier collaboration is credited with mutual mental and physical benefits.
As Tiafoe heads deeper into the 2024 Cincinnati Open and looks ahead to the US Open, these dynamics demonstrate how professional relationships in tennis can shift as players grow. Both athletes remain determined to improve and make their mark in upcoming events.