Frances Tiafoe's frustration came out in the immediate aftermath of his surprising first-round defeat to Marton Fucsovics at the ongoing 2025 Japan Open. Tiafoe, the World No.29, was the favorite on paper to secure a victory against Fucsovics, the 58th-ranked player in the ATP Tour's singles rankings. However, it was the Hungarian who prevailed, winning the encounter 3-6, 6-1, 7-5.
Clearly disappointed with himself over his underwhelming display at Tokyo's Ariake Tennis Forest Park on Wednesday, September 24, a furious Tiafoe smashed his racket four times before heading to the net to shake hands with Fucsovics. Watch the heated moment unfold below:
The outcome also sees Marton Fucsovics secure a 3-2 head-to-head lead against Frances Tiafoe. The American, who was the eighth seed in Tokyo this time around, reached the final of the Japan Open back in 2022, but on that occasion, he had to settle for second-best at the last hurdle, as compatriot Taylor Fritz secured a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) win.
Tiafoe's overall form in 2025 so far has been problematic, with the American making deep runs at only a handful of events. The three-time career singles titlist' best show this year came at the U.S Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston in early April. Here, the 27-year-old made his way to the final, but lost to compatriot Jensen Brooksby.
Even at the US Open, where historically he gave his best performances, Tiafoe suffered an upset, after which he cut a dejected figure in front of reporters.