‘They Were Villains’ – Former French Open Champion Slams Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock for Showing Lack of Respect Towards Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Last week, Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock pulled off one of the most memorable wins of their careers. The American duo defeated Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in a pulsating Laver Cup encounter. Moreover, it was a special occasion as it marked the end of the Swiss maestro’s career. He bid an emotional adieu to tennis after playing doubles on the opening day of the tournament.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was playing a competitive match after more than a year due to his knee injury. Despite their win, the former French Open champion, Adriano Panatta, was unhappy with the display of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Adriano Panatta calls out Sock and Tiafoe’s rough play against Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

During their match, Sock and Tiafoe time and again aimed at the bodies of Nadal and Federer while they were at the net. However, their play didn’t go down well with many fans, who were expecting Federer and Nadal to win.

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Slamming the performance of Sock and Tiafoe, Panatta said, “They were villains, those two Americans continually threw full force in the face of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.” 

Further, he went on to add, “It was a lack of respect and they only did this because they were unable to do anything else. They are troglodytes of tennis but above all villains towards two tennis players, champions, who have made the history of this sport.”

Tiafoe pulls off a spectacular win

On the final day of the 2022 Laver Cup, Tiafoe caused a massive upset as he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to hand Team World their maiden title at this tournament. The match went the distance, with the American star holding his nerves to win the match tiebreaker.

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Tiafoe’s only defeat at the tournament came against Novak Djokovic on Day 2. The former World Number 1 defeated him in straight sets. Further, Tiafoe has shrugged off his injury concerns and has been in a good run of form. Earlier this month, he reached the semifinal of the US Open before losing against Carlos Alcaraz.

Can he finish the season on a strong note? Let us know your views in the comments below.