At the University of Louisville during the Cincinnati Open, tennis star Frances Tiafoe made a remarkable gesture by awarding a $30,000 scholarship to Russell Lokko, a young athlete with humble beginnings. This Frances Tiafoe scholarship gift, offered through the USTA Foundation’s Tiafoe Fund, aims to support Lokko’s junior and senior years of college, relieving him of financial burdens and inspiring many around the sport.
Tiafoe highlighted the connection he shares with Lokko, noting their shared roots in the National Junior Tennis and Learning program in Trenton. This act of giving drew attention not only because of the amount involved but because it emphasized the importance of mentorship and community support in tennis.
I am out here in Cincinnati Open. I got my man Russel Lokko, who goes from Louisville. I am going to bless him today with $30,000. He’s junior out in Louisville, it is going to really help him for his junior and senior year. Shout out to the USTA foundation for helping the Tiafoe fund do something so special for this kid today,
Frances Tiafoe said in the video.
The scholarship is designed to cover the remaining college expenses for Lokko, allowing him to focus on his studies and athletic development without financial stress. Tiafoe expressed his excitement for Lokko’s future, adding,
I can’t wait to excite him. Shout out Russell Lokko. I’m blessing you today my brother. Love!
Along with the scholarship, Tiafoe presented Lokko with various gifts, including items from Lululemon, La Roche-Posay, and official merchandise from the USTA Foundation and US Open, which left Lokko visibly moved and energized by the support.
Ben Shelton and Tennis Community Respond to Tiafoe’s Leadership
The scholarship gift quickly drew praise from fellow tennis players and fans. Notably, rising tennis star Ben Shelton publicly acknowledged Tiafoe’s generosity, signaling the importance of such acts within the tennis community. Shelton’s recognition underscored how figures like Tiafoe, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Townsend are broadening the sport’s appeal across different audiences.
It’s a great opportunity for Americans in tennis right now, but just in tennis in general, I think that there’s a lot of hype around the sport. I think tennis is reaching a different demographic than it was before and that’s because of especially in the US, stars like Coco and Frances, and Taylor but not just Americans, North Americans, Europeans too,
Ben Shelton said during Cincinnati Open media day.
This reaction highlights a shift in tennis culture, where athletes not only excel on the court but also contribute off it by uplifting others, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for upcoming players.
Tiafoe’s Vision Beyond His Athletic Achievements
Speaking with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, Frances Tiafoe revealed the deeper motivation behind his scholarship gift. He emphasized wanting to showcase the human side of athletes, encouraging Lokko and others to see him as more than just a competitor.
For me this was really special because you get a personal relationship with a guy, knowing and understanding that he looked up to me. And we’re doing just basic stuff and understanding. Yeah he seen me a good tennis player more than that though, I want to be known as a great person and just a real person, and he got to see that.
Tiafoe also recognized the relief his support would bring to Lokko and his family, pointing out the young player’s deserving nature and solid character.
And I am happy this is going to take the monkeys off his back a little bit. Him and his family, he deserves it. He’s super solid kid and, he deserves his blessings and I’m happy for him,
he added.
Balancing Competitive Play with Leadership Roles in Cincinnati
While making headlines for his off-court generosity, Frances Tiafoe also displayed strong performance at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament. He began the competition with a straight-sets victory over Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena and is preparing to face twentieth seed Ugo Humbert in the third round. Fans are increasingly watching Tiafoe not only for his athletic prowess but also for his growing influence as a role model and leader in tennis.
The combination of competitive resilience and commitment to fostering the next generation showcases how Tiafoe is shaping both his legacy and the future of American tennis on multiple fronts.