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Frances Tiafoe has evoked mixed reactions from fans due to his actions after the 2024 Cincinnati Open final against Jannik Sinner. The Italian won the final in straight sets and while he was clicking pictures with his team, the American photobombed it by showing his middle finger.
Tiafoe reached his first Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati and faced World No. 1 Sinner in the title match on Monday, August 19. The top seed won a well-contested first set in the tiebreaker 7-6(4) before bagging a more comfortable second set 6-4 to win his 15th title on tour.
Sinner and Tiafoe praised each other in their post-match speeches. However, as Sinner celebrated with his team and got pictures clicked with the trophy, Tiafoe photobombed the image by putting up his middle finger. The pair shared a laugh as the American did that and left. A video of the incident was posted on X.
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Fans, however, were left divided in their reactions. Some felt Tiafoe had crossed a line and the incident was not funny.
"Bad look for Tiafoe giving the finger," one fan wrote.
"Didn't like that gesture. Not cool or funny," another fan wrote.
"I love Big Foe but giving the finger during the photobomb is not it. JFC American tennis players are really showing our “Ugly American” side in defeat from the Olympics onwards," a third fan wrote.
Some other fans felt the gesture was funny and all in good faith.
"Big foe is the funniest guy ever," one fan wrote.
"A lot of people don’t like Tiafoe but I think he’s hilarious. 😂" another fan wrote.
"We need more Tiafoe in tennis 😁" yet another fan wrote.
Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe praise each other following Cincinnati Open 2024 final
Frances Tiafoe was in the ATP Top 20 for over a year and a half before a slump in form saw him drop out in March 2024. He joined hands with American coach David Witt in July and the 26-year-old's fortunes have changed. He reached his first Masters 1000 final and returned to the Top 20.
Jannik Sinner was impressed with Tiafoe's turnaround. After the 2024 Cincinnati Open final, the Italian addressed Tiafoe in his post-match speech and said:
“Super happy to see you playing at this level again. I know you had a very tough last year... You’re making very good progress. I wish you luck in New York.”
Further, Tiafoe was also gracious in defeat and congratulated the Italian for his achievements.
“I guess I gotta congratulate Jannik, man. Congrats for everything you’ve been doing... Getting to #1 in the world and pretty much never losing ever," Frances Tiafoe said during his post-match speech.
The 23-year-old has been having a great season. He holds a phenomenal 48-5 record in 2024 while also winning five titles. He will go into the final Grand Slam of the season, the US Open, as a top seed and a favorite to win.
