So what if Frances Tiafoe couldn’t make good on the good old American dream of winning the Cincinnati Masters? The talented pro can at least steal Jannik Sinner‘s spotlight in the event’s award ceremony. After succumbing to the Italian force in the title decider, Tiafoe decided to turn heads with an amusing gesture, something that seemingly took the edge off and gave fans a reason to smile after enduring his heartbreaking loss.

The World No. 27 started off strong, forcing Sinner to sweat for every point through their contest’s opening set. However, the American lost his touch after he suffered a one-set deficit. Sinner was quick to wrap up Tiafoe’s challenge in the proceeding games and secured the tournament’s title without facing much resistance in the second set, concluding the duel with a score line of 7-6(4), 6-2. The aftermath? Well, let’s just say the American was in the mood to indulge in some fun.

During the event’s award ceremony, Tiafoe was notably witnessed tossing a middle finger to the camera. While posing for a photo housing the duo’s respective trophies, the 26-year-old scripted an awkward moment for Sinner with his amusing gesture, prompting the latter to give Tiafoe a stunned look at the hardcourt event’s ceremonial stage. Moreover, to much hilarity, the No. 1 seed’s coach, Darren Cahill couldn’t keep a straight face either.

This is not the first time we’ve seen the American player pull up his middle finger live on air. In a 2021 Stockholm Open clash against compatriot Tommy Paul, Tiafoe took the first set. However, as Paul came closer to winning the second-set tiebreaker, Tiafoe couldn’t help but show the bird to his opponent.

It’s not all bad for Tiafoe. With the help of his impressionable skills at the hardcourt event, the American reached his maiden ATP 1000 Masters final. After all, he had been struggling to script noteworthy results across all boards this season. To much surprise, the 27-year-old was all smiles during the award ceremony. So much so, that he decided to surprise Sinner with an amusing request while receiving his runner-up trophy.

Frances Tiafoe pleads Jannik Sinner to not ‘beat him in New York’

We’ve seen this before. No matter what the outcome, Frances Tiafoe never fails to keep up with a healthy off-court demeanor. His Cincinnati Masters prize-giving ceremony was no exception either. In an on-court interview wherein the American was handed the mic to address his thoughts contesting against Sinner in the summit clash, he had an intriguing appeal to make.

After congratulating the young talent on his laudable feat and his recent achievements, the World No. 27 amusingly petitioned the Italian to not ‘beat him’ if they crossed paths at the upcoming US Open. He said, “I guess I gotta congratulate Jannik man. Congrats for 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.”

In all honestly, Tiafoe’s latest display of strength at Cincy can do wonders for him. With the US Open closing in, ‘Big Foe’s in-form status can guide him to the event’s later stages and potentially, help him end the American men’s tennis players’ Grand Slam drought!