Frances Tiafoe surprises NJTL alum Russell Lokko with $30k scholarship in Cincinnati

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Tiafoe surprises NJTL alum with $30k scholarship in Cincinnati

Russell Lokko grew up playing at the NJTL of Trenton — part of the same network that supported Tiafoe's early days

All Pro Rells Frances Tiafoe presents Russell Lokko with a $30,000 scholarship in Cincinnati. By ATP Staff

Frances Tiafoe has made a career out of delivering big moments on the court, but on Friday at the Cincinnati Open, the outgoing American saved one of his most meaningful wins for off the court.

During a behind-the-scenes day at the tournament, Tiafoe stunned University of Louisville standout Russell Lokko by awarding him a $30,000 scholarship, spread over two years, through the USTA Foundation’s Frances Tiafoe Fund. The gift will cover the final gap in Lokko’s college expenses, allowing him to finish his junior and senior years debt-free.

“This is great, I’m excited to get it out,” said Tiafoe, the No. 14 player in the PIF ATP Rankings. To see how ecstatic he was with being able to take care of his junior and senior career, it’s a huge deal. [Being] the son of immigrants, I’ve been in that seat, I know how it is.”

Photo: All Pro Rells

The surprise hit home for both men. Lokko, a rising junior from Trenton, New Jersey, grew up playing at the NJTL of Trenton — part of the same National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network that supported Tiafoe’s early days at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Maryland.

Lokko, who had no idea what was coming, was overwhelmed with joy. “I’m super excited. I’m really blessed for Frances to give me that cheque,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot off my parents and help me stay focused on what I want to do in college and past that.

“Growing up, Frances has always been a role model for me. People like me, we don’t see people like us around the game often, so it’s just really inspiring to have that role model and believe that you can do it yourself.”

The day was about more than the scholarship. Lokko shadowed Tiafoe during practice, followed him through the tournament grounds and will even be present in the American’s player box for his opening-round clash against Roberto Carballes Baena at the ATP Masters 1000 event on Saturday evening.

For Tiafoe, the moment was a reminder of why giving back matters. “When you get a chance, you have to grab it with two hands and use it to the best of your ability,” he told Lokko. “But ultimately, I did this because of the guy you are. Keep being you, keep standing on your morals, and keep striving to be great.”

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