Tiafoe, who is four years older than Baptiste, was there to inspire her during her formative years.
“After school he would hit with me for an hour, two hours, we’d just hit and talk, so we developed a real closeness and on the weekend we hung out pretty much every weekend; me, Frances and Franklin would go to the movies, bowling, whatever,” she said. “They’ve been my brothers for as long as I can remember. So I always look to them for advice. A buddy, a friend, hang out, bored, do whatever – they were always my first call.”
Franklin has been involved with his twin brother Frances’ career since the beginning. He’s also been with Baptiste in a professional capacity on and off for years. But this year he came on as a full-time member of her team, and alongside Hechtman they have guided Baptiste to her best year as a pro.
“It’s a blessing for sure,” Franklin told rolandgarros.com. “Being able to be a part of what she’s doing right now, after us being together for years and years. She’s basically like my sister, so seeing her do her thing is great.”
Hechtman, a taskmaster who pushes Baptiste to stretch her limits, is stoked to have Tiafoe as part of the team.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “They’ve known each other for a long time. He’s a great, positive guy, just a good dude overall. The season’s long, just being on the road for as many weeks as you are. It’s great to have someone that is, one, knowledgeable about tennis and two, somebody that is her friend.
“I get along with Hailey great but it allows me to have that separation as well.”
Hechtman joined the team two months ago in Miami. Baptiste already has learned to appreciate his no-nonsense style.
“He doesn’t take s**t. He gives it to you straight and I think that’s definitely what I need,” Baptiste said. “I’m kind of the same. We butt heads sometimes, but it’s in a respectful way.”
