Frances Tiafoe Balances Tennis and NBA Playoffs Amid Jet Lag

ROME, Italy — Frances Tiafoe, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, is finding a way to stay upbeat and competitive despite a rocky beginning to his season. After struggling during hard-court events in Australia and North America, Tiafoe is making strides on red clay and looks forward to the rest of the month.

When speaking in Miami last week, Tiafoe expressed his desire to remain positive. “I’m just trying to stay positive, man, gain momentum and find the small wins to create bigger wins,” the 27-year-old said.

His determination seems to be paying off. Tiafoe recently debuted in Monte Carlo and reached the round of 16 in Madrid for the first time in his career. Now in Rome, he’s eager to keep up his momentum as he prepares for his next match.

But tennis is not the only thing on Tiafoe’s mind this spring. A diehard basketball fan, he keeps a close eye on the NBA Playoffs, even though his favorite team, the Washington Wizards, did not qualify this year. “It’s funny, I go to Europe every year and that’s usually around when NBA Playoffs is on,” he shared. “I can wake up at 3 a.m. and I don’t mind it… I can watch hoops for five hours!”

Jet lag may be a struggle for Tiafoe, especially as he adjusts to European time zones. “I struggle with jet lag to get on the proper time, but at the same time it’s like… I can wake up at 3 a.m. and I don’t mind it, because I can just put the game on,” he said. “But then I can’t see at two o’clock.”

Seeded 15th in the Rome draw, Tiafoe will face either Roberto Carballes Baena or qualifier Sebastian Ofner in the second round following a bye. While he prepares for the match, Tiafoe also shared some tips for coping with jet lag: “Don’t sleep during the day. Take a lot of walks; stay outside or in general anywhere BUT near a bed. And, for a couple days, just tell yourself you’re not tired, even though you’re dying.”

As he navigates a busy schedule, Tiafoe remains focused on what lies ahead in both tennis and basketball.