Charlotte Invitational exhibition: Frances Tiafoe stuns Carlos Alcaraz as Madison Keys wins US Open final re-run over Sloane Stephens
ATP
With exhibitions well and truly in full swing as players look to take a truncated off season due to the quick turnaround between the end of 2024 and start of 2025, Carlos Alcaraz took to the court in Charlotte but unlike New York he was defeated.
Frances Tiafoe put on a show as Big Foe who rocked the Charlotte Hornets jersey won over the crowd and won over the former US Open champion. He defeated him 5-7, 6-1, 11-9.
"We hate each other," joked Alcaraz. I think we have a really good relationship off the court. When we play each other on court, we have huge respect to each other. I think that's great for tennis and for the competition."
Tiafoe also joked prior saying that Alcaraz copies all the restaurants he goes to.
"I agree. We have had some great battles, obviously. We get along really well," said Tiafoe before adding his own humour. "He copies all the restaurants I go so I run into him in a restaurant once a tournament for sure. That's always pretty funny. It's great.""He is a hell of a player and will continue to be for a very long time. Hopefully, we both show up tonight and play some decent tennis," he added.
But it was Tiafoe that had the last laugh. While Madison Keys albeit little solace given that she lost their US Open final but she got one over Sloane Stephens.
Keys will be in high spirits having just got married to long-time coach and boyfriend Bjorn Fratelangelo. She won 7-5, 6-3. Stephens though shared a touching tribute on court after the tie to her good friend.
She said how emotional it was to witness her get married a few days prior. Stephens was one of many high profile tennis stars who attended Keys' wedding so albeit they shared that match back in the day, the respect and friendship garnered from it has stood the test of time.
Frances Tiafoe defeats Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 6-1, 11-9 to win the Charlotte Invitational! pic.twitter.com/sJiSpX48hX
— Christian's Court (@christianscourt) December 7, 2024
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