Frances Tiafoe’s Racquet-Smash Penalty Seals USA’s Davis Cup Defeat Against Netherlands
Frances Tiafoe, representing the United States in the Davis Cup, faced a dramatic and costly defeat in a match against Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in Split, Croatia. The defeat not only marked Tiafoe’s second consecutive loss in the tournament but also sealed the US team’s fate in the tie.
Griekspoor’s Triumph
Tallon Griekspoor secured a hard-fought victory over the 25-year-old American with a final score of 6-3, 6-7(7), 7-6(3) in a Group D clash held in Split, Croatia. Griekspoor’s remarkable performance turned the tide in favor of the Netherlands.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands took an early lead as Botic Van de Zandschulp defeated Tommy Paul with a score of 7-6(2), 6-2 in the first singles match. This initial setback meant that the Netherlands needed just one more match win to secure overall victory.
The match’s conclusion was marred by controversy. In the final game, Griekspoor’s serve was initially called out, prompting a challenge. Upon review, the ball was deemed to be in, and the point was awarded to Griekspoor, giving him a 6-2 lead in the tie-break.
Tiafoe’s Protest and Racquet Smash
Frances Tiafoe strongly protested this decision, arguing that the call for an out ball came before he had struck it. Tiafoe had previously raised a similar argument in his match against Croatia’s Borna Gojo, a tie that the US team had won 2-1.
Despite his protests, the chair umpire, Richard Haigh, did not reverse the decision. In frustration, Tiafoe smashed his racquet into the ground, leading to a code violation and a point penalty. This penalty awarded Griekspoor seven points, securing his victory and giving the Netherlands an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The match’s unusual and controversial ending added to its intensity, lasting a total of two hours and 31 minutes. Both players displayed remarkable determination and skill throughout the decisive tie-break on the hard court at the Arena Gripe.
With this victory, Netherlands now leads Group D with two wins out of two matches. Meanwhile, the US team is set to face Finland on Saturday, with the Finnish team having suffered defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in the opening round.
