NEW YORK – Just over an hour later Frances Tiafoe let down the major champion 22 times Rafael Nadal6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, on Monday in front of a near-capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium to advance to his first US Open quarter-final, how? there, his night was even better.
While checking his phone after returning to the dressing room, he spotted a tweet from LeBron James about what he just did.
Along with a video of the final moments of the match posted by the tournament’s account, James wrote, “CONGRATULATIONS Young King!!! You’ve won it!” Tiafoe couldn’t believe it.
“Gosh, I lost it in the dressing room,” Tiafoe told reporters afterward while laughing. “Dude, I’ve gone crazy.”
Tiafoe said he hesitated before reposting it, wanting to at least look like the tweet wasn’t a big deal.
“I was like, ‘Do I post back as soon as he sends it in?” I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to get cool and act like I didn’t see it and then post back three hours later,'” Tiafoe explained.
Tiafoe redirected the former James during some of his post-match celebrations and he continued to refer to him as “my guy” on Monday. He also said Rich Paul, James’ agent, sent him a message after the game to congratulate him.
Bradley Beal afterward Washington Wizards – Tiafoe’s favorite team – sat in his player box throughout the game.
Tiafoe said it was Beal’s first time attending a tennis match but it may not be his last.
“He wants to come back,” Tiafoe said. “It’s great. A special day for me.”
HAPPY Young King!!! You won it! @FTiafoe 🙏🏾✊🏾🤎👑 https://t.co/QQ0Jn7Lotp
– LeBron James (@KingJames) September 5, 2022
.@RealDealBeal23 Loving every minute of this game.@FTiafoe | @WashWizards | #US Open pic.twitter.com/bp32cWxsge
– US Open tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022
