“I know how much he wanted it today, it’s something that you dream about,” Tiafoe said in a post-match interview
Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Francis Tiafoe embraced Alex Michelsen after an intense five-hour US Open match, showing heartfelt sportsmanship
- Tiafoe, now a three-time US Open semifinalist, shared encouraging words with Michelsen following the victory
- Fans and athletes praised Tiafoe for his compassion, calling the moment a powerful example of true sportsmanship
Francis Tiafoe is serving up world-class sportsmanship.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, the 28-year-old professional tennis player went viral for a sweet moment with his opponent Alex Michelsen following an intense five-hour match on day 10 of the US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
After coming back from being down two sets and defeating the 22-year-old 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6, Tiafoe became a US Open semifinalist for the third time. His girlfriend, Canadian tennis player Ayan Broomfield, was seen cheering him on in the stands.
FOE-NOMENAL 🇺🇸
From two sets and a break down, and then a break down in the fifth, Frances Tiafoe defeats Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6! pic.twitter.com/8PMMeQ0ETh
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2026
Before taking time to celebrate with his team, Tiafoe immediately jogged over to Michelsen and embraced his opponent.
Cameras caught Michelsen with his head buried into Tiafoe’s shoulder, sobbing emotionally as he congratulated the sports star.
After the match, Tiafoe spoke with reporters about the moment seen on screens across the world.
“I didn’t think it was going to be as long as it was, but I understand the moment,” he said in a post-match interview, per Bleacher Report. “He was definitely crying on my shoulders. Yeah, we just had some words for each other, and that was it.”
Tiafoe also told ESPN he could see Michelsen “already” crying before their embrace, and that he’s been in his competitor’s shoes before.
“I been there. I been there twice, to be fair,” he said.
He added that he and Michelsen are actually “super tight.”
“We’ve always had a great relationship. We laugh and joke all the time. He’s like one of my good buddies on tour, and I know how much that hurts. I know how much he wanted it today, it’s something that you dream about,” he continued.
Tiafoe even shared the sweet message he had for Michelsen after their match.
“I just told him, ‘Bro, I know, but you’re gonna be here so many more times, man. And I’m gonna be in a rocking chair when you do,’” he joked of the young athlete.
Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
He also posted a video of the viral moment to his own social media, captioning an Instagram video: “Always Love 🤞🏿❤️.”
“Your heart is as impressive as your game; while the match was beyond incredible, the hug was the most unforgettable moment. Thank you for showing the world what sportsmanship looks like,” one person commented.
“Winning is about the scoreboard. Sportsmanship is about the person standing across from you. Moments like this is a reminder that competition can bring out the best in us, but compassion is what truly defines us. True sportsmanship! Come back FOE!!” another wrote.
Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!
A third added, “You are such a role model in every way. You make DC proud!”
He also received praise from former WNBA star Lisa Leslie, who posted a video on social media rooting for him. The clip was reshared to Tiafoe’s Instagram Stories.
Next, Tiafoe will face the winner of No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 seed Ben Shelton in the semifinal match on Friday, Sept. 11.
Read the full article here
