"ATP never learn, let Frances Tiafoe get away with being an absolute prick" - Fans divided by American's confrontation with chair umpire in Vienna

Frances Tiafoe’s recent confrontation with a chair umpire at the Vienna Open has stirred strong reactions from fans, especially following his outburst in Shanghai two weeks ago. Some fans were shocked by his repeated behavior, while others were more sympathetic toward the American.

Fifth-seed Tiafoe faced Cameron Norrie in the first round of the Vienna Open on Tuesday, October 22. During the first set, Tiafoe received a time violation as a result of the automatic shot clock being used during the Asian swing. With this, the American received his fourth consecutive penalty.

Tiafoe’s frustration with the rule was evident in Shanghai, where he unleashed a furious, verbally abusive rant at the chair umpire during his loss to Roman Safiullin.

Although he later apologized, saying that the behavior was not reflective of who he was, he once again let his emotions show in Vienna—this time by shouting "Let's go!" at the umpire after clinching the first set.

Despite the tension, Tiafoe secured a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Norrie to move into the next round. However, his actions left fans on X divided, with some criticizing him for losing his cool yet again, while others argued that the shot clock itself is part of the problem.

"Tiafoe after escaping punishment for dropping F bombs to an umpire earlier 2 weeks ago is now emboldened to roar to the umpire again," one fan wrote.

"Tough loss for Cam. Still on the comeback trail though. After another time violation, Tiafoe shouted “Let’s gooooo” at the umpire & then received a code violation. Nowhere near as bad as last time, but not a great look. Although I agree this new rule change needs discussion," another fan argued.

"The @atptour never learn, let Tiafoe get away with being an absolute prick a few weeks ago so guess what, he feels completely justified in being an absolute prick again now towards the umpire. The ATP really need to grow a back bone with these spoilt disrespectful players," a third fan wrote.

Here are some more fan reactions to Frances Tiafoe's actions in Vienna.

"Please, the ball kids couldn’t manage getting both the towel and balls which caused the delay. Anyone with eyes could see he was about to start serving. Don’t call it on him down double break point," one fan wrote.

"Tiafoe screaming right at the umpire ''lets go'' as he won was so funny though😂😂man was ready to throw some hands," another fan wrote.

"Nice win for Tiafoe in Vienna but unfortunately seems like more umpire drama from Big Foe…. Really hope Frances can stop getting himself into these situations. Into the R16 though with Berrettini awaiting!" yet another fan wrote.

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Frances Tiafoe opens up about receiving four consecutive time violations after Vienna Open 1R win

Frances Tiafoe at the 2024 Shanghai Rolex Masters (Image: Getty)

During his post-match interview after defeating Cameron Norrie in the first round of the Vienna Open, Frances Tiafoe talked about his consecutive time violations.

"We put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears out here. And for me to play four consecutive matches and get four consecutive time violations is insane," Frances Tiafoe said.

"It needs to be spoken about. Because then I also lost points; lost money; lost opportunities; fines that come with that – because of reaction," Tiafoe continued.

When asked if he could handle the situation better next time, Tiafoe expressed frustration, suggesting he would be able to manage it better if there were changes to the rule.

"Me getting four time violations in four matches is pretty ridiculous to me. I’ve been on tour ten years and that’s never happened. So I just want to know why."

Up next for Frances Tiafoe is a second-round battle against Italy's Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday, October 23.