He is talented, showman and sometimes … vulgar. Frances Tiafoe (ATP 41) was opposed to his friend Tommy Paul (ATP 52) in the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Stockhlom this Friday. In the second set, Tiafoe offered a rude wave of his hand to his opponent.
After winning the first set 7-5, Tiafoe saw his opponent come back to score after a hotly contested tie-break. It was also during this tie-break that the 41st world was somewhat carried away. While Paul performs a superb volley, the beaten Tiafoe gives his childhood friend a middle finger. A nasty “friendly” gesture that obviously has no place on a tennis court.
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Tommy Paul finally won in straight sets, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in 2 hours 30 minutes of play, qualifying for his first final on the ATP Tour. And to congratulate him, Frances Tiafoe gave him a big hug at the end of the game. Forgiven?
