# 1 An inspiration to American youth
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Above all else, Frances Tiafoe is an inspiring figure to young players from modest, or even meagre means, who have not had an easy start to life. In a country where racial tensions have reached an all-time high, African-American youth, often on the receiving end of violence and racist abuse, will welcome a new idol; one who has had to – and likely continues to fight againt the battles of discrimination and poverty.
Until Venus and Serena Williams hit the scene, African-American tennis players – and aspirants – had Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson, who fought through a time of segregated courts, to look up to.
Although the years passed, attitudes appear not to have changed significantly in the next few decades, with both former No. 1s Venus and Serena Williams on the receiving end of racial slurs as young as four and five years old.
It is perhaps immense pressure to place on the shoulders of one so young and talented – but if it means giving others from similar backgrounds hope, it is a good thing. And Tiafoe has already become an icon in that respect.
