WATCH: Frances Tiafoe engages in animated conversation with girlfriend Ayan Broomfield as they enjoy Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury WNBA game

Frances Tiafoe showed his support for his hometown team, the Washington Mystics, in a WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, July 16. Tiafoe and his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield enjoyed a date night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, watching the Mystics put up a valiant fight but ultimately lose 87-96 to the Mercury.

Tiafoe had a decent showing at the recently concluded Wimbledon Championships, where he reached the third round for the fifth time in his career. The 29th-seeded American started his campaign with a comeback 6-7(5), 2-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Arnaldi and then defeated Borna Coric 7-6(5), 6-1, 6-3 in the second round to set up a clash with eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.

The Spaniard beat the American 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2, to clinch his second consecutive Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam overall.

For Tiafoe, a Maryland native and a known basketball enthusiast, supporting the Washington Mystics is a natural fit. The 26-year-old often expresses his admiration for the WNBA and women's sports.

Tiafoe and Broomfield's presence at the game was highlighted by a sports page on Instagram, which shared a video where the couple can be seen engaged in an animated conversation during the match.

Watch the video here:

The game itself was a showcase of high-caliber basketball. Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner dominated with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 22 points, 10 of which were crucial in the fourth quarter.

Despite a strong effort from the Mystics, highlighted by Ariel Atkins' pivotal plays, the Mercury’s late-game surge secured their victory. Atkins' three-point play brought the Mystics close at 87-83, but Phoenix responded decisively, with Sophie Cunningham’s three-pointer and Diana Taurasi's key block sealing the win.

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Frances Tiafoe opened up on being inspired by the likes of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant

Frances Tiafoe at the Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards game

Frances Tiafoe talked about how he finds inspiration in basketball greats such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

In an episode of Nick Kyrgios' podcast, 'Good Trouble with Nick Kyrgios,' the American shared that he admires these legends for their relaxed demeanor off the court and their competitiveness on it.

“It's all outside tennis. You see Bron (LeBron James), you see Kobe, right? I mean, you know those guys like seeing them; you know, being cool with their teammates, whatever cool with their friends. But when it was out there, like, you know, me and you were so tight, we joked around right before we got out there, then it’s on," Frances Tiafoe said (at 6:43).

Tiafoe acknowledged that their example has helped him cultivate calmness and concentration in his tennis game.

"Same with those guys, especially with the best players in the world. Everyone stepped in, and I wanted to show the world what I could do. Then I just get super excited, and those guys definitely help with it,” he added.

The 26-year-old had played in the 2023 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, which was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The American, part of the NBA legend Dwyane Wade's team, scored four points.

Frances Tiafoe is also known for wearing different basketball jerseys during his practice sessions, such as the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and the Washington Wizards.