Frances Tiafoe didn’t just book a spot in the US Open semifinals this Tuesday, he proved he’s a class act.
Despite dropping the first two sets, Tiafoe managed to fight his way back to a 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 win over Alex Michelsen this Tuesday. His epic comeback sent the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium into an absolute frenzy.
Tiafoe could’ve soaked up the moment and celebrated with himself, but instead he sprinted over to the net to embrace a clearly distraught Michelsen. That moment certainly went over well with sports fans.
REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz.
“Absolute class from Frances Tiafoe,” one fan said.
“Incredible match by Tiafoe. Brilliant. And pure class and sportsmanship at the end. Now go win the thing,” a second fan commented.
“This is why we love Tiafoe. Celebrates, then shares a beautiful moment with his fellow American after an absolute war. Such a class act,” a third fan said.
“Well done Tiafoe! I didn’t think you had this one. Not only a huge heart but a gracious winner. That embrace at the end was all class,” another person wrote on X.
So what did Tiafoe tell Michelsen?
During a post-match interview with ESPN, Tiafoe was asked to share what was said during this moment with Michelsen.
Tiafoe said he told Michelsen that he knows what it feels like to lose a five-set match in such heartbreaking fashion. Heck, he was on the wrong end of a match like this at Roland Garros.
While those words may not make Michelsen feel better in the moment, Tiafoe is proof that players can rebound from their mistakes and come up big when it matters most.
Kudos to Tiafoe for being such a gentleman.
