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via Imago
Image credits – Imago
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via Imago
Image credits – Imago
In the world of sports, fierce competition usually takes the spotlight. But equally so there remains a place in our hearts for camaraderie and sportsmanship. We witnessed an instance recently involving Frances Tiafoe and a very close friend of Serena Williams. While everyone is focused on exciting tennis matches as the tour closes out, a wholesome exchange has caught people’s attention on what could be an iconic tennis friendship.
The US Open has been a lucky platform for the Dane to make really great friends. It was the 2014 US Open’s clash between Serena Williams and Wozniacki that laid the groundwork for an indomitable friendship. Over the years, their blossoming friendship has taken many turns, and now, Tiafoe might just be completing the power trio. Something must be different in the air at New York’s Slam!
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Tiafoe and Wozniacki’s unexpected friendship at US Open 2023
Though Wozniacki was defeated by her future BFF, Serena Williams in the finals at Flushing Meadows in 2014, it led to a great friendship. They first talked about getting drinks together after their match. Sure enough, a few drinks and some pictures posted together on social media formed the foundation of a great bond, and the rest is history. A similar thing happened with Wozniacki and Tiafoe too.
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via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 20, 2022 Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. in action during his second round match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S REUTERS/Morgan Sette
Social media lit up when Tiafoe shared an Instagram story featuring himself and the WTA veteran, Caroline Wozniacki, on the practice court. The tagline, “Thanks for the big hit today,” by Wozniacki underscored the collaborative spirit of the sport. Tiafoe’s resharing of the story with the message “Thanks for breaking me down” added a playful twist to the tale, highlighting the intensity of their session, to which Tiafoe couldn’t help but pour his appreciation.
Tiafoe and Wozniacki’s friendship may have just set sail. But it has also evoked the nostalgia of 2014 when two fierce foes of the WTA went beyond the scope of sport to develop a genuine friendship off-court. How did Williams and Wozniacki become friends?
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How Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki went from on-court foes to off-court friends
Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki were big competitors in women’s tennis, but their story goes beyond the court. They actually ended up becoming great friends despite their face-offs. This camaraderie between these WTA greats has stood the test of time, blossoming into a connection that extends far beyond the tennis arena. During the rise of the Danish player Wozniacki, she often found Williams on the other side of the net. Yet, this competition didn’t hinder the growth of an enduring bond between them.
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via Getty
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 08:Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Serena Williams of the USA leave the court following their doubles match against Caroline Dolehide of the USA and Johanna Larsson of Sweden during day three of the 2020 Women’s ASB Classic at ASB Tennis Centre on January 08, 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
One significant instance of their rivalry-turned-friendship occurred during the WTA Finals of 2014. In a hard-fought match, Williams overcame Wozniacki in three sets. After the match, Williams went to the locker room to apologize for the intense competition. However, Wozniacki’s frustration boiled over, leading to a heated exchange where she questioned Williams about her plans to retire, given her age at the time.
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As Tiafoe and Wozniacki kindle a newfound friendship at the US Open 2023, it’s nice to see that a fierce rivalry can evolve into an unlikely friendship like in the case of Williams and Wozniacki.
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