ATP pro and World No.18 Frances Tiafoe’s love for the NBA is well-known. He has even attended many matches featuring top clubs of the men’s basketball league in the US. After the massive news that broke the internet on Saturday night, featuring two of the biggest NBA players Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis, it was obvious for the 2024 US Open semifinalist to share his reaction. Not to mention he was left dumbstruck as every other basketball fan. But what’s the shocking update?

Pulling off one of the biggest blockbuster moves, the Dallas Mavericks have traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Angeles Lakers. In return, they will now have another big name, Anthony Davis. Alongside Doncic, other players going from Mavericks to Lakers include Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. From the Lakers’ side, Maxi Christie will also move to Mavericks with Davis, as reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania on X, dated February 2.

It didn’t take long for Tiafoe to notice this huge update on X. Being in utter shock, he simply put up a story on his Instagram while writing “Damn.”For the Lakers, acquiring Doncic indicates a long-term strategy as they already have a star like LeBron James. 25-year-old Doncic’s addition will only add more firepower to the club.

Speaking of the possible reason behind the Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic, he’s been out of action due to a calf strain. He sustained it during the match against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day last December, as reported by ESPN’s Tim MacMahon on X, dated February 2.

Tiafoe, in the meantime, is gearing up for his return to the court after an early exit from the Australian Open. But what’s the next ATP event he is participating in?

Frances Tiafoe to take part in Dallas Open

In Melbourne, the former World No.1 couldn’t do much. Frances Tiafoe started his Australian Open campaign on a winning note, defeating Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(2), 6-3, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3. It was a tough fight but somehow he survived it. During the press conference, his reaction made it evident as well. He said, “That’s a big win, that’s a huge win. (From) feeling good and out of nowhere, feeling horrible and finding a way to win. That’s massive.”

However, he failed to extend his run after a loss to Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the second round. Marozsan beat the American 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Moving forward, Frances Tiafoe will now be seen at the Dallas Open. On Sunday, he will face World No. 116, Japan’s Taro Daniel in the Round of 32. While Tiafoe is coming off a defeat in the second round down under, Daniel’s last match was also in the Australian Open. He played against local boy Tristan Schoolkate in the first round where the latter beat him 6-7, 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-4.

Tiafoe has a bit of an edge over Daniel, due to their h2h record which is in favor of the American. He currently leads the tally 1-0. Their only face-off took place back in 2022 in Atlanta. In that R16 encounter, Tiafoe managed to edge out Daniel with a score line of 7-5, 6-4. It will be intriguing to see if Daniel manages to avenge that loss. What do you think?