Frances Tiafoe’s win over Rafa Nadal Monday gave him his first ever quarterfinal berth at the US Open, but also drew the attention of other sports stars, as LeBron James, Coco Gauff and Bradley Beal led the chorus of praise for the 24-year-old.
James wasted no time in congratulating Tiafoe after his four-set win over the 22-time Grand Slam winner, and tagged the rising star so he would see his message.
‘CONGRATS Young King!!! You earned it!,’ the Lakers forward said alongside a crown emoji (among others).
Tiafoe became aware of James’ tweet soon after his win, and was flattered by the message in his own telling.
‘I was losing it in the locker room about his tweet,’ he said.
‘I went crazy. That’s my guy.’
The four-time NBA MVP wasn’t the only one to heap praise onto Tiafoe, however, as fellow tennis pro Coco Gauff – who has also booked a place in the Open quarterfinals – also chimed in.
‘BIG FOEEEEE,’ she said, in a reference to his nickname.
And the support of the Washington DC area native was not limited to the online world, as Wizards guard Bradley Beal cheered on Tiafoe from his box.
Beal, who Tiafoe called his ‘favorite basketball player’ after the match, also took to Twitter afterwards to toast the famous win.
‘BIG FOE!!!’ he said.