ATP Tour

AJ Dybantsa on Frances Tiafoe: 'He kind of brings basketball' to tennis

When Frances Tiafoe upset 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev on Sunday at Flushing Meadows, he had plenty of starpower in his corner, including AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Dybantsa, who also attended Roland Garros this year, was excited to show his support for the American. The 19-year-old has enjoyed Tiafoe’s tennis and the energy he brings to the court

“I like how he kind of brings basketball to it. He gets up close to the net, tries to spike it. He’s not just playing boring with the rallies,” Dybantsa told ATPTour.com. “He’s trying to get up close and he brings the crowd into it.”

As one of the best basketball players in the world, Dybantsa has appreciated watching the best tennis players up close.

“I just respect the game. Tennis is a hard game to play, the way they can react to certain things,” Dybantsa said. “Any athlete can respect another athlete at a high level. It was just great to be there to watch and support.”

Fittingly, Tiafoe’s favourite team is the Washington Wizards. The three-time US Open semi-finalist often goes to games and supports the team from afar while he is competing on the ATP Tour.

“It’s been great and he’s been a loyal Wizards fan,” Dybantsa said. “So him just supporting the Wizards, I’ve got to show my support back. It’s been fun.”

Tiafoe stands two wins away from becoming the first American man to claim a Grand Slam singles championship since Andy Roddick in 2003. The 28-year-old on Friday evening will take on countryman and friend Ben Shelton, who upset defending champion Carlos Alcaraz Tuesday.

“He got a win and I’m going to go back out there Friday,” Dybantsa said. “Hopefully he’ll get some more wins.”