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Frances Tiafoe had a heartwarming interaction with NBA icon Joakim Noah after the American won his campaign opener in Miami. Joakim is the son of French tennis great Yannick Noah and has surprising connections with Tiafoe.
Tiafoe began his Miami Open campaign in the second round on Saturday, March 22, after receiving a bye in the first round. The American, who has not been in great form this season, dug deep and got the better of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-5, 7-6(5).
After the win, as he walked toward his bench, Tiafoe spotted Joakim in the stands and interacted with the former NBA star. The 27-year-old admitted it was good to see the French star and said they would be catching up in the back.
Watch the interaction below:
Joakim is the son of tennis legend Yannick Noah, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. Yannick won the French Open in 1983 and bagged a total of 23 singles titles in his career. He even went on to make a career for himself in the music industry as a singer after his tennis career. Notably, Yannick will captain Team Europe in the Laver Cup this year.
Yannick Noah's son Joakim believes Frances Tiafoe is bridging the gap between tennis and basketball
Frances Tiafoe at the Miami Open - Source: Getty" srcset="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/03/55fff-17427143947067-1920.jpg 1920w">
Frances Tiafoe at the Miami Open - Source: Getty
Frances Tiafoe was spotted wearing Yannick Noah's son Joakim's Chicago Bulls jersey during a practice session before the French Open last year. The American is well connected to basketball and Joakim believes Tiafoe is creating a bridge between basketball and tennis.
"He [Frances Tiafoe] has an inner city energy about him and it resonates a lot with the hoopers. A lot of the tennis players don’t know too much about basketball and he’s definitely a bridge," Noah told USA Today Sports in September 2024.
"He has a great personality. I love the way he carries himself out there and he is somebody that a lot of the hoopers can relate to," he added.
In on-court matters, Tiafoe has had an underwhelming 2025 season. Before entering the Miami Open, he held a 5-5 record, losing early in most of the events he participated.
The World No. 17 will look to turn his fortunes around in Miami. After getting the better of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Tiafoe will face 17th seed Arthur Fils in the third round on Sunday. The winner of their match will take on the winner of Alexander Zverev vs. Jordan Thompson.
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Edited by Shirsh