Tiafoe slammed for wearing headphones during US national anthem at Davis Cup

| by Jamie Malachy

Frances Tiafoe has been criticised for wearing a pair of headphones during the US national anthem at the beginning of the USA's Davis Cup tie with Italy.

As reported on social media by Relevant Tennis shortly after, 1976 Roland Garros winner Adriano Panatta, now TV commentator, said: "He is rude. If I were his captain, I would kick him in the b*tt".

"I was quite surprised when I was not picked" - US Davis Cup team without disappointed Ram
"I was quite surprised when I was not picked" - US Davis Cup team without disappointed Ram

However, other users have defended the American, with one Twitter user saying "they were off. there was nothing playing. people need to stop trying to cancel these athletes all the time. just let them play and leave them alone. jesus".

Tiafoe did have one headphone off his ear, so he could hear what was happening, which some deem to be an acceptable removal of the headphones for the occasion.

"As someone who’s on his headphones a lot, this is usually what we do when doing something important. Instead of removing the whole thing, we just pop one ear out to listen. People are reaching on this one".

Tiafoe had a great season, especially in the second half of the year. Reaching the last four in the US Open, he also played an integral role in the first every victory for Team World at the Laver Cup in September.

He has always been known as a flamboyant character who marches to the beat of his own drum. Wearing headphones during the national anthem appears to be an extension of this, and an expression of his personality. Despite the criticism, it is doubtful that something so trivial will affect Big Foe (as he is affectionately nicknamed).

Tiafoe lost his match following this incident though, going down to Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets. Taylor Fritz then levelled the tie up with a two set win over Sonego, while the deciding doubles match is under way now.

"I've taken it to the next level" - Frances Tiafoe on breakout 2022 season
"I've taken it to the next level" - Frances Tiafoe on breakout 2022 season

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