'Don’t beat me in New York' - Frances Tiafoe praises Jannik Sinner hilariously after Cincinnati Open loss

Frances Tiafoe will be seeded 20th at the 2024 US Open.

America’s Frances Tiafoe took a moment to laud Jannik Sinner after he lost to the Italian tennis star in straight sets at the 2024 Cincinnati Open final.

Frances Tiafoe enjoyed a memorable campaign at the 2024 Cincinnati Open. The 2022 US Open semifinalist took down the likes of Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, and Jiri Lehecka to reach the summit clash in Cincinnati, which was also his first ATP 1000 Masters final.

It took 47 main draws for Tiafoe to reach the breakthrough final. However, he faced Jannik Sinner in the final and lost 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. During the post-match interview, the American tennis star lauded Sinner and asked the Italian not to beat him at the US Open, if they clash.

He said, “I guess I gotta congratulate Jannik man. Congrats on everything you’ve been doing.. Getting to #1 in the world. And pretty much never losing ever. Keep going.. all the best in New York. If we play, don’t beat me in New York.”

Later, Sinner also uploaded a post on social media, where he thanked his supporters and congratulated Frances Tiafoe, who played his first ATP 1000 Masters final. He wrote, “Thank you Cincinnati. The crowd and support have been amazing. @FTiafoe congrats on a great week! I always enjoy our battles.”

Thank you Cincinnati. The crowd and support have been amazing ❤️@FTiafoe congrats on a great week! I always enjoy our battles 😂 pic.twitter.com/ItQpwlyewi

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) August 20, 2024

Frances Tiafoe is currently 20th in the rankings with a runner-up finish in Cincinnati. Interestingly, for the first time since 1997, there are five American tennis players in the top 20 ATP rankings: Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Sebastian Korda, and Frances Tiafoe.

On Sinner’s front, the ATP World No. 1 has gotten into a new controversy. He recently took to social media and uploaded a post, where it was stated that the Italian tennis star failed two doping tests during the 2024 Indian Wells Masters. He was tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance.

ALSO READ: Jannik Sinner gets clearance for US Open 2024 participation despite failing dope test

Clostebol is an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) that is derived from testosterone. As per the aforementioned post, he had a trace element of the substance in his body, which is less than a billionth of a gram. However, the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov have reacted on social media by posting on social media.

Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…. Yeah nice 🙄 https://t.co/13qR0F9nH2

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) August 20, 2024

Can’t imagine what every other player that got banned for contaminated substances is feeling right now

— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) August 20, 2024

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