Frances Tiafoe shares what he’s changed in training ahead of 2026 which he thinks will get him up the rankings

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Frances Tiafoe faces an uphill battle in 2026 after suffering through his worst season in years…

The American star had hoped to build on his run to the 2024 US Open semifinals and the Cincinnati Open final, but failed to do so.

Tiafoe finished the year as the ATP world number 30, dropping 12 places over 2025.

There’s clearly a lot to be done in the new year, but what has Tiafoe been doing to try and aid his comeback?

Appearing as a guest on the ‘Served with Andy Roddick‘ podcast, the American shared how he has changed his attitude in training.

Frances Tiafoe is focusing on ‘discipline’ and wants to prove that he is a top guy

“I think it’s kind of the practice and work I have been doing,” said Tiafoe.

“I know I am gifted with this game. I have great ability. I know it comes quite naturally. But there are days when I am in and out, and it shows. I am totally okay with saying that.”

“There are days when I am not feeling it, and I don’t put in the work. I don’t do it on the days when it’s hard. I find an easy way out and rely on my talent.

“So doing the boring things and doing the bits over and over and over and showing up. I’m trying to show up every day in practice and the gym. Do the things I don’t necessarily like each and every day and do it like I love it.”

Tiafoe believes that if he remains disciplined, the results will come.

“A lot of times, I have always risen off motivation. I want to rise off discipline. Show up every day. That is where I’m at and where my mentality is right now,” he said.

“I think that is going to create real consistency and longevity and get me where I should be.

Do you think Frances Tiafoe is good enough to win a Grand Slam if he fully commits?

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“I see myself as a top guy no matter where I’m ranked, and now it’s to be there.”

Tiafoe has beaten several top players over the years, but has yet to finish a season ranked inside the top 15.

Frances Tiafoe’s top 10 wins

• 1. 2017 Cincinnati Open 2R – Defeated [7] Alexander Zverev
• 2. 2018 Delray Beach Open 2R – Defeated [10] Juan Martin del Potro
• 3. 2019 Australian Open 2R – Defeated [8] Kevin Anderson
• 4. 2021 Wimbledon 1R – Defeated [4] Stefanos Tsitsipas
• 5. 2021 Canadian Open 2R – Defeated [10] Denis Shapovalov
• 6. 2021 US Open 3R – Defeated [7] Andrey Rublev
• 7. 2021 Vienna Open 2R – Defeated [3] Stefanos Tsitsipas
• 8. 2022 US Open 4R – Defeated [3] Rafael Nadal

• 9. 2022 Laver Cup – Defeated [6] Stefanos Tsitsipas
• 10. 2024 Washington Open QF – Defeated [8] Andrey Rublev
• 11. 2024 Cincinnati Open QF – Defeated [7] Hubert Hurkacz
• 12. 2024 US Open QF – Defeated [9] Grigor Dimitrov
• 13. 2024 Laver Cup – Defeated [5] Daniil Medvedev

Frances Tiafoe’s career timeline

He’ll be hoping for a better season in 2026, and what better place to showcase his talents than the Australian Open in January?

How far could Frances Tiafoe go at the Australian Open?

Tiafoe lost in the second round of the Australian Open earlier this year, although it shouldn’t be forgotten that he is a former quarterfinalist in Melbourne.

When he puts everything together, Tiafoe is one of the best hard-court players around, but whether he can actually get the job done is another question.

Which American man and woman do you think will go furthest at the Australian Open?

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If everything clicks, and he keeps his mind in check, there’s truly no reason why Tiafoe can’t make another deep run to the quarterfinals or semifinals.

Making it much further than that with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the field will be difficult, but you never know…

The 2026 Australian Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 18.