Trailblazer Tiafoe's tireless efforts earns Black List award

By Abi Curran

Trailblazing tennis star Frances Tiafoe has been recognised for his tireless efforts within the sport as part of the Tennis Black List 2024.

Before the former world No. 10 took to the Wimbledon courts to face Matteo Arnaldi this week, he won the Player Award, a testament to his remarkable achievements on and off the court.

The Black List Awards celebrated tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community from players at the highest level to volunteers and their tireless efforts.

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event on 27 June 2024 marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports.

In the run-up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List, demonstrating the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

Tiafoe earned his second ATP Tour title after five years at 2023 Houston without losing a set.

He defeated four-time champion Nadal en route to the 2022 US Open semi-final, becoming that event’s first American men’s semi-finalist since Andy Roddick in 2006.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court.

“It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.

“Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models, inspires and encourages more people to get involved - whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer."

Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024