In the tennis realm, Nick Kyrgios and Frances Tiafoe are arguably the two of the biggest basketball fans. They have time and again portrayed their love for the b-ball sport, either through their social media posts or attending the NBA games cheering out loud for their favorite teams. To Nick Kyrgios, basketball was his ‘first love’. Let us take a look at what it means for Frances Tiafoe.
Well, the American tennis star is largely inspired by the culture of the NBA. Once Tiafoe even took part in an All-Star Game of the American basketball league. Additionally, he aims to bring basketball culture to tennis. Recently, during the “GOOD TROUBLE with Nick Kyrgios” podcast, the 26-year-old discussed his resilient passion for tennis and reflected on his inspiration from basketball icons like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
“I want to show the world what I can do” – Frances Tiafoe on the winning mentality of NBA superstars
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Two tennis friends showcasing their common love for basketball. While speaking on the mentality of two NBA legends, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, the American tennis star, Frances Tiafoe said, “You see, you see Bron, you see Kobe? Right? I mean, you know, those guys like seeing them, they’re cool with their teammates, cool with their friends, but when it’s out there, like, you know, me and you are so tight.” He added, “You know, we’re joking, right before we got out there, but it’s on, once we get on there. You know, I want to beat you want to beat me.”
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Frances Tiafoe believes that’s the same thing that happens with those guys. “But the best players in the world are there’s some actors where it’s like, it was certainly like that popcorn, maybe. You know, everyone stepped in and like, I want to show the world what I can do,” Tiafoe. the 26YO American tennis star said. Tiafoe also revealed how he gets super excited with these things and those guys have inspired him a lot in his career.
Interestingly, this podcast and Tiafoe’s raw revelations aren’t the first time the tennis stars have opened up about their love and admiration for the NBA and its stars including LeBron James. In the past as well, there have been instances where the two colleagues have expressed their utmost respect for James and other professionals through gestures and words.
Kyrgios and Tiafoe reflecting their love for the NBA superstar
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During the 2022 US Open, Nick Kyrgios gave an interview that revealed quite a personal detail concerning the professional. He brought to light that he has tattoos of LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and the late Kobe Bryant on his body. He further went on to say that now people take all these athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer for granted.
“It is just human nature to take stuff for granted. When they retire, everyone says, ‘Oh, they were the best’. But whilst they are playing, it is always criticism,” Nick Kyrgios said. This was Kyrgios’ way of acknowledging the legacy that players like James, Curry, Federer, Djokovic, and others have left behind. The hard work and the level of standard they have provided their respective games.
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In 2021, Frances Tiafoe was also caught performing a King James-styled celebration by removing his shirt, thumping his thighs, pumping his chest, and yelling at the top of his lungs after a win. He stood on the rails to roar towards his fans. His reaction didn’t go unnoticed by LeBron James as the NBA star was pretty quick to react to Tiafoe’s celebration on social media. These instances reflect how inspired the two tennis professionals are from the NBA and those who have heavily contributed to the world of sports through their talent and hard work.
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