frances tiafoe Alex Michelsen ATP US Open 2026

The emotional backstory of Michelsen's tears when hugging Tiafoe

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 9 Sep 2026
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Tiafoe and Michelsen, tears. Photo: gettyimages

Frances Tiafoe and Alex Michelsen offered one of the most emotional images of the US Open 2026 with their embrace at the end of the match. They have been good friends for years, and that trust seemed key for Michelsen, who broke down in tears over his despair at seeing Tiafoe come back from two sets down. 

The image quickly went viral on social media as an example of the brotherhood and sportsmanship that permeates the world of tennis. What we didn't know was what Frances said to Alex in those moments when they were wrapped up in that heartfelt embrace that sent chills down the spines of all lovers of this sport.

This is what Tiafoe said to Michelsen in their emotional embrace

"As soon as I hugged him, I saw he was already crying and thought: I know exactly what you're going through. I've been there too, actually twice. I lost in five sets. Obviously, it wasn’t going to be easy to close out the match, but he is young and had never been in that situation before". 

"Moreover, we are good friends. We have always had a fantastic relationship. We laugh and joke all the time. He is one of my good friends on the tour, and I know how much something like that hurts. I know how much he wanted to achieve this today and how much he had dreamed of it".

"So I just told him: Brother, I know, but you will be here many more times. And when you do, I will already be sitting in a rocking chair".

We do not know if those words will resonate deeply with Alex Michelsen, who must view his entire performance at the US Open 2026 as the necessary endorsement to know he can aspire to great successes in the future. There is a lesson in every loss, and from the toughest ones, even more important lessons are drawn. Bravo to Frances Tiafoe for his attitude in victory.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La emotiva intrahistoria de las lágrimas de Michelsen al abrazar a Tiafoe