'They don't want us in power': US tennis star's sobering admission

American rising tennis star Frances Tiafoe, 22, has spoken out about feeling as an ‘outsider’ following the death of George Floyd in the US.

Protests have raged across the US in the wake of the death of Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, with several athletes and other sporting figures taking part.

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Athletes such as LeBron James and Tiger Woods have expressed their support for protests against racism and Tiafoe also joined other tennis stars to show their support.

But Tiafoe, World No.81, has opened up about how he feels he has had to work harder to reach the World top 100 because some people still want to see him fail.

"I definitely feel that not everybody wants to see that success in me," Tiafoe told CNN.

"I definitely felt that because ultimately, they don't want us in power. I truly think that's a thing."

While admitting he feels the love from most fans, the 22-year-old rising star said he can feel like an “outsider” due to the lack of diversity in tennis.

Tiafoe leads ‘racquet down, hands up’ movement

The 22-year-old joined other tennis stars in expressing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tiafoe joined other tennis stars such as Serena Williams and Coco Gauff in the ‘racquet down, hands up’ initiative to use his platform for good during the difficult times in the US.

Taifoe said it was his “duty” to speak out.

"I think if more people who have weight, who have a big platform, speak out then I think change can happen and you can be optimistic," he added.

"Obviously you see everything going on in America right now, I think it's a good idea to come together right now and try to speak out."

Gauff’s strong message against racism

Tennis star Gauff, 16, delivered a powerful message via Twitter.

The rising star recently said she would use her platform for good and she has done just that after she declared: “This is why I am using my voice to fight against racism...”

Pictures of well-known victims of police brutality from Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Eric Gardener, Freddie Grey, and more appear in the video.

She then raises her hands as the words:”Am I next?” appear on the screen.

Gauff is one of many athletes to have spoken out against police brutality in the last few days.