Tiafoe talks about his idol and next opponent, Del Potro

By Niko Vercelletto Feb 28, 2017
Quote of the Day

Stefanos Tsitsipas hits "limit" after Wimbledon retirement: "There's no point to competing"

By Stephanie Livaudais Jun 30, 2025
Pop Culture

David Beckham and Maria Sharapova among celebrities that attend Day 1 of Wimbledon

By Associated Press Jun 30, 2025
Your Game

With its low, skidding bounce, the slice shot is a Wimbledon staple

By Jon Levey Jun 30, 2025
Social

"Funny story...": Jannik Sinner only "just met" US Open mixed doubles partner Emma Navarro

By Baseline Staff Jun 29, 2025
Your Game

Yonex celebrates 15 years of POLYTOUR PRO string with collectible cards, community-building campaign

By Baseline Staff Jun 29, 2025
Game, Set, Bet

Wimbledon Women's Betting Preview: Will another dark horse win it all?

By Zachary Cohen Jun 29, 2025
Social

Novak Djokovic crashes Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon press conference, jokingly tells her to up the 'intensity'

By Associated Press Jun 28, 2025
The Tennis Traveler

Can't get to Wimbledon? Wear your white tennis clothes at these luxury clubs

By Liya Davidov Jun 28, 2025
Game, Set, Bet

Wimbledon Men's Betting Preview: Will the 'Summer of Bublik' continue?

By Zachary Cohen Jun 28, 2025

Tiafoe talks about his idol and next opponent, Del Potro

The two will face off in the first round of the Mexican Open.

ByNiko Vercelletto

Published Feb 28, 2017

Frances Tiafoe is a rising American who is about to play his idol, Juan Martin Del Potro in the first round of Acapulco. The 19-year-old spoke with ATP on how much he loves the Argentinian and shared his favorite memories of the former No. 4.

"He was the first pro to every sign a ball for me," Tiafoe said. "He's always going to be one of my biggest idols. It was great to hit balls with him at Indian Wells... He's just an unbelievable player and person."

To put the two players in perspective, Tiafoe was 11 years old when Del Potro won the US Open in 2009. Now things have come around full circle as the two will be facing off for the first time on Tuesday night.

Follow Niko on Twitter: @nikovercelletto