American tennis player Frances Tiafoe has had his racket stolen after a second-round win at the French Open. The 24-year-old's racket, valued at a significant amount, is more than just a piece of equipment - it holds sentimental value for the US star.
Tiafoe defeated 17th seed Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 in the second round, but the victory was marred by the theft of his racket. 'I'm really disappointed, to be honest,' Tiafoe said in a post-match interview. 'It's a great racket, and I've had it for a while. I'm hoping it will turn up.'
Tiafoe's racket has been described as a 'game-changer' by the player, who uses it to great effect on the court. The French Open authorities have launched an investigation into the theft, and officials are working to recover the stolen racket.
The incident has sparked a debate about the security measures in place at the French Open, with some calling for greater protection of players' equipment. Tiafoe's racket is just one of many high-value items that have gone missing at the tournament in recent years.
Despite the setback, Tiafoe remains focused on his campaign, saying: 'I'm not going to let it distract me from my game. I'm going to keep playing and see where it takes me.'