Frances Tiafoe and David Witt parted ways after more than a year working together after the American ended his season early.
Tiafoe ended his season in October following a difficult set of results at the US Open and the Davis Cup in September.
The American is back inside the ATP Tour top 20 following impressive results this season at the Miami Open and Acapulco under new coach Todd Martin.
Six months since their split, Witt has confirmed one of the last pieces of advice he gave Tiafoe at the end of 2025.
What David Witt told Frances Tiafoe before their split
Tiafoe failed to win a single ATP title with Witt as his coach, although he did reach the final of the Houston Open in 2025.
On the Inside-In Tennis Podcast, Witt was still positive about the year he spent as the American’s coach.
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“I think it’s more about a little bit of strategy but it’s more about competing and just being a dog. I think it’s extremely hard to win on the men’s tour. I think one thing we try to work hard on was the serve and getting more free points on the serve,” he said.
Witt also warned Tiafoe that he would need to get in good shape if he wants to climb the ATP Tour rankings again.
“But at the end of the year when we stopped, I’m glad he is doing better, but the one thing I told him before we ended is that you have to get into the best shape of your life in 2026.
“I was good with him because I told him that and then he fired me! And he got in good shape. But he needed to, so he could compete the way that he needs to and play points. I love Frances. He’s awesome. He’s hard to not like and is always smiling, so it’s good.”
Frances Tiafoe’s 2026 season so far
Tiafoe has certainly made progress so far in 2026, following his dip in form at the back-end of the 2025 season.
The American is yet to play a European clay court event, with his last appearance on the ATP Tour coming on the Houston clay.
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Nevertheless, Tiafoe has built a fairly impressive record so far this year.
Ahead of a potential appearance at the Italian Open, Tiafoe currently holds a 17-8 win-loss record for the year.
That includes impressive victories against Jakub Mensik, Flavio Cobolli, and Jenson Brooksby during the American swing.
