When defeat stirs a bold defiance: Tiafoe's unexpected photobomb in Sinner's triumph

America’s tennis star Frances Tiafoe spoiled the trophy picture of Italy’s Jannik Sinner. The 26-year-old finished as the runner-up in the competition after losing to the current world number one in the final in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-2 on Monday.

After the match, Sinner’s trophy picture was spoiled by Tiafoe as he appeared in the background showing middle finger as a sign of frustration. The victory will be a big boost for Sinner ahead of the US Open after few tough months where he struggled with fitness concerns as well.

Before coming to Cincinnati, the reigning world number one, who is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category, suffered a quarterfinal defeat in the Canadian Open against Russia’s Andrey’s Rublev. With that win, he extended his lead in the ATP rankings as well. He now sits at the top with 9,760 rating points, more than 2,000 points ahead of the second and third-placed Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.

After the win, Sinner was full of praise for his opponent. He also thanked his own team for working hard with him to overcome a difficult phase, at least fitness wise. “Super happy to see you playing at this level again,” he said. “I know you had a very tough last year.. You’re making very good progress. I wish you luck in New York. I want to thank my team for staying next to me all the time. Especially in the tough moments.. We had quite a lot. I’m happy to win this tournament here. But also to the people who are close to me and understand me every day, thank you so much.”

Tiafoe also congratulated Sinner in a light-hearted way. “I guess I gotta congratulate Jannik man,” he said. “Congrats for everything you’ve been doing.. Getting to #1 in the world. And pretty much never losing ever. Keep going.. all the best in New York. If we play, don’t beat me in New York.”