Rafa Nadal's opponent booked for X-rated rant as US Open roof closes on serve
Frances Tiafoe was booked for audible obscenity as he fumed at the referee after being broken in the fourth set. US Open organizers decided to shut down the roof ahead of the expected rain after a blunder earlier in the day, and play continued during the shutdown. But the 22nd seed felt short of cash when he was broken by Rafael Nadal as he was forced to serve while shut down.
Nadal and Tiafoe were tied 1-1 in the fourth set, with the American leading by two sets to one when organizers decided to close the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof in anticipation of rain. It was the second seed who initially appeared unhappy with the decision as he shrugged at the box of his players, who yelled at him for coffee.
But both men played while the roof was closing, with the world No. 26 during the four-to-six-minute roof-closing process. Tiafoe could be seen approaching the referee to complain about the distracting noise from the roof mid-game, and eventually found himself facing break points.
The four-time Flushing Meadows champion was able to take advantage and break his opponent's serve during the rooftop distraction, and Tiafoe blasted chair umpire Carlos Bernardes at the changeover as he was sitting behind by a pause.
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"I'm throwing the ball and I can see the fucking thing shutting down," the 24-year-old reportedly said, as he received an audible obscenity warning in response to his rant.
But Tiafoe remained unfazed as he managed to smash Nadal straight in the next game, pumping his fist and roaring in celebration. The American was composed as he then recovered from 15-40 to hold 3-3 and clinched a third game in a row as he broke to lead 4-3 and put himself within two games of the match.
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Frances Tiafoe was booked for audible obscenity as he fumed at the referee after being broken in the fourth set. US Open organizers decided to shut down the roof ahead of the expected rain after a blunder earlier in the day, and play continued during the shutdown. But the 22nd seed felt short of cash when he was broken by Rafael Nadal as he was forced to serve while shut down.
Nadal and Tiafoe were tied 1-1 in the fourth set, with the American leading by two sets to one when organizers decided to close the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof in anticipation of rain. It was the second seed who initially appeared unhappy with the decision as he shrugged at the box of his players, who yelled at him for coffee.
But both men played while the roof was closing, with the world No. 26 during the four-to-six-minute roof-closing process. Tiafoe could be seen approaching the referee to complain about the distracting noise from the roof mid-game, and eventually found himself facing break points.
The four-time Flushing Meadows champion was able to take advantage and break his opponent's serve during the rooftop distraction, and Tiafoe blasted chair umpire Carlos Bernardes at the changeover as he was sitting behind by a pause.
JUST IN: McEnroe responds to Kyrgios retirement hint with public 'begging'
"I'm throwing the ball and I can see the fucking thing shutting down," the 24-year-old reportedly said, as he received an audible obscenity warning in response to his rant.
But Tiafoe remained unfazed as he managed to smash Nadal straight in the next game, pumping his fist and roaring in celebration. The American was composed as he then recovered from 15-40 to hold 3-3 and clinched a third game in a row as he broke to lead 4-3 and put himself within two games of the match.
CAN'T MISSAnil Medvedev makes moving 'tears' admission after US Open lossRussian tennis star hits back at LGBTQ+ remark after coming out as gayAzarenka speaks out on exploitation vulnerable young players
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