Group D of the Davis Cup saw the Netherlands taking on the USA. USA was down 0-1 as Frances Tiafoe was expected to give them the vital point. The first rubber lasted only two hours, and Tallon Griekspoor looked determined to extend the lead in the second rubber. He took the first set against Tiafoe and squandered a matchpoint in the second set. In the final set, Griekspoor took a 5-2 lead in the tiebreaker.
The linesmen called out Griekspoor’s serve, and Hawkeye showed it was in when he challenged the call. The umpire awarded the point to the Netherlands to set up a match point, making Tiafoe question why they were not replaying it. He argued with the chair umpire and officials, but the decision was stayed, which angered Tiafoe. This led to a racket-breaking episode, which cost Tiafoe a penalty point and the match for the USA.
CRAZY drama to finish 😱
Tiafoe and USA lose the match and tie to a POINT PENALTY!#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/3ZNjxhL0vF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 14, 2023
Tiafoe argued that the ball was called out before he made contact with the ball. His forehand hit the net and wanted to replay the point. The American said that the linesmen made the call, which made him hit the ball into the net. The umpire and officials were unconvinced by his statements, as Tiafoe lost the crucial match. Fans were not happy with how the game ended for the USA.
Frances Tiafoe lets down fans at Davis Cup
Tiafoe did not perform his duty well for the USA at the Davis Cup. Apart from losing two singles rubber, he gave away the crucial point in a demeaning fashion. The world No. 11 had made his country proud at the US Open last week but now has lost the respect. Fans were not happy with his reaction at the end of the match.
The 25-year-old is the youngest player in his team, and captain Bob Bryan will not be happy with how his team lost the tie to the Netherlands. Bryan looked at Tiafoe while arguing with the chair umpire and the officials. Fans started debating over his performance as Team USA won the third doubles rubber, but it was only a consolation victory.
Very poor behavior & violent racquet smash by 25.5 yr old Frances Tiafoe. Imagine if my fave behaved like this, the endless Flak he’d get.
— LavanyaSingerDinesh🌺 (@LavanyaVocalNEW) September 14, 2023
Frances Tiafoe ain’t been on shit
— GREC (@ParIays) September 14, 2023
Frances Tiafoe shouldn’t be in the top 20 discussion.
— Big Joe (The Bookseller) (@BigJoeBooks) September 14, 2023
Tiafoe has had a disappointing outing this time at the Davis Cup. He has lost his first two matches and has one victory in six at the event. The USA will next play Finland in their final group-stage match. They will need a resounding victory to qualify for the last eight. It is uncertain whether Tiafoe will play the next tie as Mackenzie Mcdonald is also in the team and won his rubber against Croatia.