Who is Tony Goldwyn, the actor Frances Tiafoe gave a shoutout to at US Open? All you need to know about the 'Scandal' star

Home favorite Frances Tiafoe has been shining at Flushing Meadows this season. He recently conquered Novak Djokovic's winner, Alexie Popyrin, in four sets: 6-7, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3. Tiafoe played at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium and couldn't get enough of the venue where he had dreamt of shining as a kid.

Immediately after his match, Tiafoe was overjoyed to witness and gave a shoutout to 2023 Academy Award-winner "Oppenheimer" actor Tony Goldwyn. Tiafoe didn't miss the actor in the crowd of 23,771 people and said:

"Hold on. Sorry, sorry. Tony Goldwyn was in the crowd tonight. I’m a huge fan of you bro. Me and my girl used to watch "Scandal" all the time. I’m a huge fan bro."

Goldwyn was in a white t-shirt and smiled as the crowd cheered when the cameras focused on him. His love for tennis is not newfound; he also played a role in Will Smith's Academy Award-winning movie "King Richard". The film is based on the life of WTA legends Serena and Venus Williams' father, giving tennis fans an understanding of the family's struggles and sacrifices to nurture the American Grand Slam champions.

Frances Tiafoe's girlfriend, Ayan Broomfield, played the role of Venus Williams' body double in the movie, making his connection to the actor even more special.

Goldwyn played the fictional American President Fitzgerald Grant III in the political drama TV series "Scandal", which aired for over six years. Tiafoe also thanked the crowd for their support and was on cloud nine after becoming the first American after Andy Roddick to reach three consecutive quarterfinals at the US Open.

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Frances Tiafoe overwhelmed playing at iconic US Open venue

Frances Tiafoe at US Open 2024 - Day 7 - Source: Getty

World No. 20 Frances Tiafoe looked sharp as he defeated Australia's Alexei Popyrin to make his way into the quarterfinals of the US Open. He will face Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov as he keeps the American hopes alive in New York.

Tiafoe became the second American with Taylor Fritz to make his place in the 2024 quarterfinals. He expressed his thoughts on playing at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium and said:

"I always dreamt about playing on this court. As a kid, I used to hit against the wall and wanted to compete on this court. I'm seeing the Williams sisters win titles here. Seeing Roger win here a million times. I was like, ‘I just want to go out on this court.' It’s so iconic. It’s named after Arthur Ashe. I wanted to be a part of that. It brings out the best in me."

The next round may be Tiafoe's toughest test at Flushing Meadows this year as Dimitrov has won in three of their four prior meetings.