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1h ago

Tiafoe Wins Marathon at French Open as Fan Returns Match Racket

A social-media plea led to the racket's return, highlighting how fan passion at Roland-Garros can shape post-match moments.

May 28, 2026; Paris, France; Frances Tiafoe of the United States returns a shot during his match against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on day five at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
May 28, 2026; Paris, France; Frances Tiafoe of the United States celebrates winning his match against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on day five at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
May 28, 2026; Paris, France; Frances Tiafoe of the United States celebrates winning his match against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on day five at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
May 28, 2026; Paris, France; Frances Tiafoe of the United States celebrates winning his match against Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on day five at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Frances Tiafoe beat Hubert Hurkacz in a five-set, 4-hour 43-minute match on Thursday to win his French Open second-round match by 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-4.
  • After the match Tiafoe celebrated with courtside fans on Court 14 and a woman in the crowd walked off with his lime-green Yonex racket during the embrace.
  • Tiafoe posted an Instagram story offering two tickets for the racket's return and within hours a member of his team, Brian Kublik, posted a selfie with the woman and the racket was handed back to his coach.
  • Tiafoe said he wanted that specific racket because he had won the match with it, and he is scheduled to play Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the third round.
  • The episode came at Roland-Garros during a Paris heat wave and a string of early upsets, underscoring player endurance, intense fan engagement, and the role of social media in resolving minor post-match incidents.