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Frances Tiafoe may have the best chance to be the first American men’s tennis star to win his first Grand Slam tennis tournament since Andy Roddick in 2003 and the first French Open winner since Andre Agassi.
Perhaps that’s why his match against Portugal’s Jaime Faria had an extra component of intensity on Saturday at Roland Garros. Tiafoe won the match 4-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-2, but both competitors were seen shouting at each other in the fifth set.
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American Frances Tiafoe returns a shot during her match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on day five at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 28, 2026. (Susan Mullane/Imagn Images)
The two were talking to each other on the baselines and got to the net. The chair umpire attempted to restart the match.
“Why don’t you stop trying to act like you’re tough? You’re not tough bro, just play,” Tiafoe was heard saying.
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The referee, who was initially addressing Faria, said “all this has to stop.”
American Frances Tiafoe celebrates her victory against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during the fifth day at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France, May 28, 2026. (Susan Mullane/Imagn Images)
Tiafoe completed his victory to advance to the fourth round against Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
“I needed it,” Tiafoe said of the trade. “Because I’m up at the time but I’m still a little nervous. And he was cooing. He definitely gave me a lot of lip service. He thought he was (boxer) Ryan Garcia or something.”
American Frances Tiafoe returns a shot to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz during their men’s singles second round match at Roland Garros in Paris on May 28, 2026. (Emma Da Silva/AP)
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The Americans have been trying to bring a Grand Slam title back to the United States for some time. Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic were eliminated from the tournament, while Carlos Alcaraz is on the mend from a wrist injury.
