Frances Tiafoe explains why he split with his coach ahead of the 2026 season

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After a tough season on the ATP Tour, Frances Tiafoe made the decision to change up his coaching staff in October.

Tiafoe had been working with David Witt, as well as Jordi Arconada, who joined his team just before the 2024 North American hard-court season.

With Witt by his side, Tiafoe had one of the best Grand Slam runs of his career, reaching the US Open semifinals last year.

But things didn’t go according to plan this time around. By June 2025, he found himself down to 30th in the world rankings after failing to defend his grass swing points from the previous year.

Tiafoe recently opened up about splitting from Witt and shared some thoughts on who might step in as his new coach for 2026.

Frances Tiafoe explains his recent coaching changes

Frances Tiafoe is currently in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the ‘Charlotte Invitational,’ an exhibition event that also features Venus Williams.

Before his match, the 27-year-old was asked about what led to his decision to part ways with Witt and Arconada. Tiafoe’s reply, shared by ‘Christian’s Court‘ on X (formerly Twitter), was:

“I mean, I got rid of more than just two guys.

“I just wanted a fresh start. We have been doing the same thing for a very long time. I’ll be 28 at the top of the year, and I kind of just want to do something different.

“I want to get a little bit uncomfortable and just see what happens. Why not? I don’t think there is anything bad that can come out of that.”

Tiafoe wrapped up his comments by keeping fans guessing about what comes next: “As far as what is going forward, I guess you guys will have to wait and see. Wait and see who I decide to bring with me and go on this crazy journey that we call life.”

Frances Tiafoe’s Grand Slam performances this season

Tiafoe’s Grand Slam season got off to a rough start, exiting the Australian Open in the second round. He fell to Fabian Marozsan in Melbourne but bounced back with a better showing on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

In Paris, Tiafoe reached his best major finish of 2025, making it to the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Lorenzo Musetti.

But following his French Open run, Tiafoe faced early exits at the final two Grand Slams of the year. He went out in the second round at Wimbledon and, after reaching the US Open semifinals last year, managed only a third-round appearance this time around.