WATCH: Frances Tiafoe keeps his word to hit with a fan after his three-set battle in 3R at Citi Open
Frances Tiafoe is currently competing at the 2024 Citi Open in Washington D.C. where he has advanced to the semfinal with a win over Andrey Rublev. Before his match against the Russian, Tiafoe beat his compatriot Alesandar Kovacevic. The two competed in an evenly contested match, with Tiafoe securing a win in the third set with scores of 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3.
Tiafoe was later seen indulging in more hardcourt practice hours after the game as he went back to the Outer Court at night to hit with the fan who earned the chance to play with the American star at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation auction.
The foundation works to bring tennis and education together for a positive change in people's lives. Tiafoe is an active part of it, participating in fundraisers and providing on-court clinic support. Fittingly, he didn't seem to mind taking some time off to engage with the fan (via Ben Rothenberg):
Notably, Tiafoe decided to skip the Paris Olympics to prioritize hardcourt practice as he eyes the upcoming 2024 US Open where the 26-year-old will be eager to clinch his first Grand Slam.
Tiafoe's breakthrough moment came in 2022 when he defeated Rafael Nadal to enter the semifinals of the tournament. However, he crashed out of the 2022 US Open after losing to Alcaraz in a five-set thriller in the semifinals.
The home favorite at the Citi Open too, Tiafoe will now face Sebastian Korda in the semifinals on Saturday.
Frances Tiafoe reflects on his 'losing to clown' comment at Wimbledon: "I think it got taken the wrong way"
Frances Tiafoe had a controversial moment after his first-round win against Matteo Arnaldi at Wimbledon with the American star calling some his rivals "clowns" during a press conference.
"Literally this week last year I was 10 in the world and now I’m barely seeded here, losing to clowns, I mean… I hate to say it, but I’m just gonna be honest with you guys," he said.
These comments caused a stir among tennis fans with Tiafoe being criticized for calling other players 'clowns.'
At a press conference at the Citi Open, Tiafoe defended his comments stating that it was taken in the wrong manner.
"Yeah, I think it got taken the wrong way. At the same time, everyone on tour was laughing with me because it was me. I think it was all good fun in the end. I think people are going to hold their hat on that for a while," he said.
Frances Tiafoe will be eager to continue his winning run at the Citi Open as he gears up to enter the US Open on a high later this month.