Frances Tiafoe Discusses Prize Money and Potential Boycott

New York, NY — Frances Tiafoe, a prominent figure in tennis, recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing conversation regarding prize money in the sport. Appearing on the Changeover podcast, he was asked about a potential boycott of upcoming events to demand changes, including increased prize money.

The Professional Tennis Players Association has been advocating for a more equitable distribution of prize money this year. Tiafoe acknowledged the complexity of the situation, highlighting a lack of trust among players. “The problem is, though, you need the best players in the world to do it. I just don’t trust these guys out here,” he said.

Tiafoe described the environment during meetings, suggesting that while players may express solidarity in discussions, their actions often differ once the meetings conclude. “You see everybody tying their shoes, over there doing bands,” he noted, indicating skepticism about players’ commitment to change.

He emphasized the importance of unity for any substantial progress. “Until we get real unity, and everyone’s really on the same page, for me personally, it doesn’t really move the needle,” Tiafoe stated.

Despite the discussions around boycotting major events, Tiafoe faces pressure to perform well, especially at the US Open. He has reached the semifinals twice, with his latest appearance in 2024 cutting short his hopes of a first major final.

As of late April 2025, Tiafoe has struggled to find his form on the ATP Tour, accumulating only 500 points, which ranks him behind 46 other players. His performance this year has seen him win just one match at several tournaments, with his best result in Houston at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships.

Tiafoe is set to compete against Luciano Darderi in the second round of the tournament on April 27, hoping to recapture his momentum on the clay surface.