Tiafoe Pays Tribute to Sierra Leone At Australian Open Victory

Tennis star Frances Tiafoe paid tribute to his Sierra Leone roots at the Australian Open, wearing a custom Lululemon outfit inspired by Sierra Leone’s national colours during his straight-sets victory over Australia’s Jason Kubler in the first round.

Tiafoe, born in Maryland and whose parents emigrated from Sierra Leone to the  United States during the civil war, said the outfit gave him extra motivation and emotional pride on court.

“It meant a lot to me. It gave me a little extra spark. The outfit was amazing, and it felt great to represent where my family comes from,” Tiafoe said.

Custom Lululemon Kit Reflects Tiafoe’s Sierra Leone Heritage

Image: Frances Tiafoe Repping His Custom-made ATP Open Outfit By Lululemon

Known for using fashion to tell personal stories, Tiafoe has previously worn custom outfits to honour his hometown sports teams, including the Washington Commanders at last year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open. 

This time, however, the tribute reflected his Sierra Leonean identity.

“Shout-out to Lululemon,” he said. “I did a photo shoot in the offseason and thought, ‘Are these Sierra Leone colours?’ It was a massive surprise, and it felt great to wear it, especially with my mom here. She loved it,” Tiafoe added. 

Tiafoe added that the outfit resonated deeply with Sierra Leoneans in the United States, particularly in Maryland, home to one of the country’s largest diaspora communities.

Sierra Leone Connection Runs Deep Despite Growing Up in the U.S.

Image: Between two worlds: Frances Tiafoe with the U.S and Sierra Leone Flag

Although there are currently no active players representing Sierra Leone on the ATP Tour, Tiafoe’s tribute is especially meaningful to tennis fans and the country’s populace, as well as to the Sierra Leonean diaspora. 

Despite not visiting Sierra Leone since he was eight years old, Tiafoe said he remains closely connected through family ties and cultural identity.

“I’m Maryland born and raised, but Sierra Leone rooted to the max,” he said. “I was raised African, discipline, hard work, respect. Kids in Sierra Leone are watching me play. The name Tiafoe means something there.”

Parents’ Civil War Journey Shapes Tiafoe’s Motivation

Image: Frances Tiafoe with his parents and twin brother Franklin

Tiafoe was born along with his twin brother, Franklin, in Maryland, to Constant Tiafoe, known as Frances Sr and Alphina Kamara.

Tiafoe and Alphina Kamara left the shores of Sierra Leone at the height of the civil war. 

His father, Frances Sr immigrated to the United States in 1993, while his mother, Alphina Kamara, joined him in 1996. 

Tiafoe reflected on his parents’ journey from Sierra Leone during the civil war years to building a life in the United States, describing their experience as central to his values and work ethic.

“For me to represent the country they love so much on the biggest stages means everything,” he said. “They came from very difficult times, and being able to show love to where they’re from is special.”

Tiafoe Advances to Third Round After Comesana Win

Image: Frances Tiafoe at ATP Open

Seeded No. 29 at the Australian Open, Tiafoe continued his strong start by defeating Argentina’s Francisco Comesana in the second round on Wednesday, January 21, to advance to the third round of the ATP.

With momentum building both on and off the court, Tiafoe said he hopes his performances continue to inspire young fans in Sierra Leone and across the African diaspora.