Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend Ayan Broomfield surprises him during Houston title victory
Frances Tiafoe was surprised to see his girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, in attendance for the final of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston.
Tiafoe secured a comprehensive victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the Houston final, winning 7-6(1), 7-6(6). He was dominant throughout the tournament as he did not lose a single set en route to the title. He also registered his first ATP tour-level title since his maiden title victory at the 2018 Delray Beach Open.
Following his win, Tiafoe will climb four places in the ATP rankings to achieve his career-high ranking of World No. 11.
During his winner's speech, Tiafoe thanked his coaching team for making his victory possible. The 25-year-old then turned his attention to his girlfriend Broomfield, who surprised him with her attendance in the final.
"I also want to thank my team, my girlfriend Ayan who I see in the crowd at 1-0. I was like, 'I didn't even know you were in Houston, I thought you were in LA," he said.
"I see my girlfriend in the crowd and I was like, 'I didn't even know you were in Houston. I thought you were in LA!'" 😆
@FTiafoe #USClay https://t.co/Vjpwqxuce7
Ayan Broomfield commented on social media post of Tiafoe's speech and said that it was important for her to be there in support of her boyfriend.
"Had to show up for him," she tweeted.
🏽🤍@TennisTV @FTiafoe had to show up for him 🙏🏽🤍
In his speech, the American also complimented Etcheverry on his prowess and deemed their encounter an "absolute war and an unbelievable final."
"I don't know you that well, but I know you real well after today. It was an absolute war and an unbelievable final. I hope you guys [in the crowd] all enjoyed it, because that's what it's about," Tiafoe said.
Tiafoe then thanked his home crowd for their support throughout the tournament.
"My second title, here in Houston on U.S. soil, so thank you!" he stated.
Frances Tiafoe celebrates his Houston triumph in style
Frances Tiafoe's happiness at winning his first title after a five-year-long drought was evident as he celebrated his triumph in style.
The American and his team commemorated his victory by drinking Stella Artois (a beer) out of his new trophy. Tiafoe then posed for pictures with his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield.
The newly minted World No. 11 also took part in the traditional Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships celebrations by jumping into the pool to loud cheers from the crowd.
This is how we celebrate 🙌
#USClay | @FTiafoe https://t.co/ISKq6maNMa
Frances Tiafoe will next compete at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open, which is scheduled to begin on April 15.