At 27, Frances Tiafoe is ranked 17th in the ATP rankings. The American was world number 10 just two years ago and is working to return to the top 10 this year. However, during a recent interview, he unexpectedly received a playful jab from Alexander Zverev about his qualities as an athlete.
During a conversation on Tennis Channel, Zverev was asked about his passion for the NBA and tasked with assembling a starting five from the best basketball players on the ATP Tour. “I’m not putting Frances Tiafoe. Have you seen his shot?” Alexander joked, referring to the American’s basketball skills.
“I do not understand how a person can be so talented on the tennis court … but he’s so untalented at everything else he does. It’s phenomenal,” he continued. The German star said this in a lighthearted tone but made it clear that he didn’t have high expectations for Tiafoe’s abilities outside of tennis.
“He can’t throw a football, he can’t shoot a basketball. We tried to shoot some soccer balls in Rome during a rain delay. He did once and fell to his back and hit his head against the floor,” Zverev recalled. “It’s amazing. He’s the most talented player on the tennis court, so untalented in everything else he does.”
Frances Tiafoe of United States.
Despite the teasing, Alexander made it clear that he holds Tiafoe in high regard. “I still love him though, no offense! But it’s unbelievable,” he added, reiterating his admiration for the American’s skills on the tennis court. “One of the most talented, gifted tennis players I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
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Zverev assembles his ATP Tour starting five
In addition to joking about Tiafoe’s athleticism outside of tennis, Zverev also assembled his ideal ATP Tour starting five for basketball. “Best on tour is Nick Kyrgios,” he began, referring to the Australian star who reached a career-high world No. 11 a few years ago.
“I’ll put Chris Eubanks, I think he plays good basketball. I’ll put Thanasi Kokkinakis, I’ll put Reilly Opelka for size,” Zverev said. He wrapped up his list with an obvious choice: “And myself, if I can say that.”
Zverev is on a mission in Miami
Despite the playful banter during the Tennis Channel interview, Alexander Zverev is fully focused on his participation in the Miami Masters 1000. As the No. 2 in the ATP rankings, he’s the highest-ranked player in the competition. The only player ranked higher, Jannik Sinner, is currently suspended due to a doping violation and won’t compete until May.
With this in mind, the points Zverev can earn at the Miami Open — along with those from upcoming tournaments — could play a crucial role in his pursuit of the top spot in the ATP rankings. On Wednesday, Zverev will face Arthur Fils in the round of 16. Should he advance, his next opponent would be Jakub Mensik.
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