Yahoo News Get to Know Ayan Broomfield, Frances Tiafoe's Girlfriend
As Frances Tiafoe continues his U.S. Open run, facing Taylor Fritz in the semis tonight, many have noticed his player's box has familiar faces each time he plays at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Notably, his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield is a constant presence in his player's box, supporting Tiafoe as he aims for the title.
"He's one of the few athletes that bring something different to the game," she told T&C about Tiafoe. "I'm seeing people of color coming out and watching [his matches]. I'm seeing celebrities. He brings so many different people to the match and to tennis, the sport itself."
Who is Ayan Broomfield? Here are five things to know about her.
1. She's from Toronto, Canada.
The daughter of Denise and Paul Broomfield, Ayan was born in August 1997 and grew up in Canada. She has an older sister, Kai, who also played tennis. According to a bio shared by UCLA, "her greatest athletic thrill to date as defeating her sister for the first time."
2. She played collegiate tennis at UCLA.
As a UCLA Bruin, she was an NCAA doubles champion, ACC Freshman of the Year, and a 6-time UCLA Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member, among other honors. She briefly played professionally before going to college. In 2020, she graduated with a degree in women's studies.
3. She portrayed Venus Williams in the tennis scenes in King Richard.
In the biopic about Serena and Venus's dad, Ayan portrayed Venus, taking over from actress Saniyya Sidney.
She shared a pic with Will Smith on set, writing, "I had so much fun!"
4. Ayan and Frances met through a mutual friend in 2015.
Here they are way back in 2015.
In a post Broomfield made earlier this year celebrating Tiafoe making the top 10, he commented, "Man to think how far we’ve come. 2015 meeting you for the first and also just starting my career. Youve rocked with me thru it all. The good the bad and the standstills. It’s been a ride no one can put into words."
Reflecting on Tiafoe's dream run at the 2022 U.S. Open, Broomfield said, "That two-week period completely changed his life, changed my life, changed his whole family's life. It was magical. I think when people actually understand what it took for him to actually get there financially, and just his story, I think people understand that it was more than just a tennis match. It's literally a dream come true."
She added, "I think his story being told in this kind of setting was kind of like a storytelling setting was amazing. And people really got to see Frances for who he actually is and what he brings to the sport."
5. She's a big supporter of her boyfriend.
She can often be found in his player's box, and travels with him on the ATP tour.
"I'm all over the place when I'm watching," she tells T&C, "because I was like that on the court when I played. I was the Energizer bunny, I was just all over the place. When I'm watching Frances, I have to be mindful—very demure and mindful," she jokes, referencing a viral TikTok sound. "The other day, [the cameras] got me jumping on a chair, climbing a chair, and I was so embarrassed! I was so embarrassed. The next night I sat on top of my hands. I'm like, 'don't move!' But it's tough—you're so invested in your significant other's success and what they're doing and you want them to do well. I can't control it!"
She adds, "I sit beside his mom, we're both kind of a mess in the box and we feed off each other. It's not good. We'll be kicking each other, holding each other's hands tight, and doing the most. But it's nice to be around other people—everyone wants him to win just as bad as I do."
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