A tennis player is made with skill, determination, and most importantly, a mentor who shows the path to success. Frances Tiafoe is currently posing a tough challenge against the defending champion Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. The American ATP star had to go through his fair share of ups and downs in the past and has currently isolated himself, paving his way without a coach. While it is a big moment for him, there’s one man who could claim the credit for all of this.
Misha Kouznetsov met Frances Tiafoe at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) and right at that moment, he saw something special in the American. The coach allowed a young Tiafoe to stay with him and his girlfriend before tournaments and also paid crucial expenses like his entry fees. Kouznetsov also went across the boundaries of tennis by helping the enthusiast with his studies when he struggled with school one summer.
He also knew the right way to motivate the tennis kid. Every time Frances Tiafoe managed to hit a victory, Kouznetsov treated him to an ice cream and also made him run laps if he didn’t try hard enough.
Kouznetsov came to the U.S. from Moscow at 15, with just $60 in his pocket and a dream to create a career in tennis from scratch. He played at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, but soon came to a conclusion that he was “too short” to be a top player. Nevertheless, he had found a disciple later on to pass on his knowledge to.
What makes Frances Tiafoe and Misha Kouznetsov’s bond so special?
Shared passion for tennis
Overcoming adversity together
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 1, 2024 Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. reacts during his first round match against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
“Frances could be lazy during practice,” Kouznetsov said in an interview. He also mentioned how Tiafoe performed below average during the regular training drills. “You’d see 30 kids running, and Frances would be the last one, walking.”
JTCC coach Oliver Akli remembers a junior tournament where Tiafoe broke his racquet string and had a hole in his shoe. “His foot was touching the ground, but he won that match,” Akli revealed as he gained confidence in the American tennis star.
Kouznetsov’s firm belief in Tiafoe and support pushed the American player to be the strong force that he is today. “Two hungry guys, and poor. I came [to the US] with $60. That’s why the whole Frances-and-I thing worked out,” that’s how he sums up his early days with Frances Tiafoe.
This is a developing story!!!
