The current world number 81 reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in 2019 but says his success has always been “different”.
As one of the very few black men in the top 100, Tiafoe, 22, also believes he had to work twice as hard to reach the elite level.
“I really think not everyone wants to see that success in me,” Tiafoe told CNN Sport’s Christina Macfarlane, saying he still felt the love from the majority of the fans.
“I feel like I’m taking something from someone who would have liked to do this.
“I really felt that because at the end of the day they don’t want us in power. I really think that’s one thing.”
Speak out
The American urged other professional players to get involved in addressing the diversity issue and vowed to continue fighting for equality while he still has the platform to do so.
He credits the impact the Williams sisters have had on the game, but knows there’s still a long way to go to find the balance.
“Are we going to help everyone? Of course not, but I will definitely help as many people as possible. It’s my duty,” he said.
“I think if more people who have clout, who have a big platform, speak up, I think change can happen and you can be optimistic,” he said.
“Obviously you see everything that’s going on in America right now, I think it’s a good idea to come together now and try to speak out.”
U.S. Tennis Association executive director of player development Martin Blackman told the Undefeated website that he would like to see more black men try to get into the sport professionally through college tennis. .
According to Blackman, the issue of basic training has a role to play in getting more black kids thinking about taking up tennis.
American protests
Protests against police brutality, which started peacefully, have intensified across the United States this week, with protesters at times clashing with law enforcement.
Tiafoe says he understands people’s anger but called on protesters to avoid violence and promote a message of justice.
“I love protests, I think it’s great but, at the same time, amazing cities that have been here for many, many years, seeing them like this hurts me,” Tiafoe said as he called for the shutdown. looting.
“I personally don’t think that’s the answer. I don’t tolerate it, but at the same time I feel frustration. It’s a thing that goes together.”
“We are all equal”
With no signs of imminent improvement in the situation in the United States, Tiafoe called for calm in order to find a better solution to the heartbreaking issues at the center of the protests.
Currently staying in Florida, he has not participated in any protests, but said things would have been different had he been back in his hometown of Washington DC.
“We are all equal, no one is better than the person on my left or on my right. We all have to come together,” he said.
“Some people take their power a little too seriously, and that creates problems. We all need to understand that everyone is as important as everyone else.”
