American tennis player Frances Tiafoe, who reached the 2022 US Open semifinals, recently stirred controversy during his off-season activities. Tiafoe, known for his flamboyant playing style and achieving a Top 10 ranking this year, visited the Washington Capitals, a local NHL team in his hometown.
However, the American star faced a wave of criticism after posing for a photo with NHL legend and team captain Alexander Ovechkin during his visit. Ovechkin, who is a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, helped Putin during his election campaign in 2018.
Tennis star Francis Tiafoe met with Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin who started a movement called PutinTeam in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The champion of three ATP tournaments presented the Russian hockey player with a racket. pic.twitter.com/oNjBT2Lrr3
— Base of Ukrainian sports 🇺🇦 (@Ukrsportbase) November 22, 2023
Tiafoe presented Ovechkin with a signed tennis racket, and in return, the Russian player gifted him a signed hockey stick and jersey. This sparked controversy due to Ovechkin’s close ties with Putin, evident through his active support for the “PutinTeam” movement.
Fans expressed their dismay on social media and also highlighted the political implications of the encounter. One fan commented, “I had a lot of respect for you on and off the court. Not anymore.” Another user mentioned it was totally nonsensical, stating, “Who on his team even ALLOWED him to do that?”
@FTiafoe I had a lot of respect for you on and off the court. Not anymore.
— Stas Olenchenko 🇺🇦 (@TheStanislawski) November 22, 2023
who on his team even ALLOWED him to do that 😵💫 https://t.co/kMbzw9KWUd
— Supreme Leader of Glorious Norrienation (@rogerchokerer) November 22, 2023
One totally lambasted the American player: “What the actual f*ck Frances! That’s disgusting,” and another made a comment full of sarcasm, “Everything for just a little more fame huh?”
What the actual fuck Frances! Thats disgusting 🤮 https://t.co/rJMUCLfYfp
— Dawid (@_Someone04_) November 22, 2023
The backlash intensified as fans debated the impact of such associations on Tiafoe’s public image. Tiafoe’s engagement with Ovechkin, a player closely linked to the Russian president, raised questions about the appropriateness of this interaction.
When Frances Tiafoe starred in a fundraising event to raise money for Ukraine war relief
In the 2023 US Open, Tiafoe, along with other prominent figures like Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini, participated in ‘Stars of the Open,’ a series of exhibition matches dedicated to raising funds for Ukrainian war relief. This philanthropic endeavor took place at Louis Armstrong Stadium, attracting a crowd of over 14,000 spectators.
The event also brought luminaries beyond tennis, featuring notable figures such as NBA star Jimmy Butler and Latin Grammy winner Sebastian Yatra. Together, they raised an impressive $320,000 for the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Jimmy Butler, who was acting as part of the ball crew, also joined in a friendly tennis match.
The exhibition event displayed the tennis stars in lighthearted moments, with players wearing microphones and exchanging friendly banter while playing and bringing laughter to the audience. Tiafoe’s participation in this collective initiative highlighted his support for the Ukrainian cause in collaboration with the American Tennis Association – USPTA.