Jay-Z set to sign rags-to-riches tennis prodigy?

Francis Tiafoe, a 16-year-old tennis prodigy from the US whose father emigrated from West Africa, is reportedly set to become the first player signed to Jay-Z’s new sports agency.

Jay-Z is said to have invited Tiafoe – the fifth ranked junior male in the world – and his family to a concert in Baltimore last month to make his pitch.

The teen will cash in big time if the rumours are true, but it is his remarkable story that would make this tale even more special.

Tiafoe’s father brought his family to the United States and found work as a labourer building an elite junior tennis centre in Maryland.

When the centre was complete, he was kept on as a maintenance man, working 16 hour days and sleeping in a small storage closet on site.

His twin sons began playing tennis as soon as they could lift a racket, and because of their father’s job, received free lessons at the academy, bypassing the $40,000 per year fees.

Francis worked harder and longer than any of the other kids, becoming one of the most talented junior players not only in the country, but in the world, and is branded the future of US men’s tennis.

And it is this unique story that caught the eye of mega-star Jay-Z, a fellow African-American from a not-so fortunate background.

Fortunately for Jay-Z, Tiafoe’s ability on the court appears to match the hype.

He managed to win Orange Bowl last year, a prestigious tournament for under 18s whose past winners include Roger Federer, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg.

Tiafoe became the youngest winner in the event’s history at just 15.

The US tennis community is hoping he can go on to end a men’s grand slam drought, with no American winning a major since Andy Roddick in 2003.

And clearly Jay-Z believes he can.