WATCH: Frances Tiafoe cheekily hits an underarm serve to clinch the match point against Jason Kubler

Although the underarm serve is not a norm in tennis, many players resort to it. This is used as a weapon to surprise one’s opponent. But sometimes it can backfire and does not yield the result one yearns for.

Frances Tiafoe decided to try something new to finish his quarter-final round match against Jason Kubler as soon as possible at the ATP Houston Open. He was leading 6-4, 5-4 (40/0), when he decided to go for the underarm serve. But the Australian was quick on his feet and answered the American’s tactics with a backhand return.

The World No.14 did not expect that but somehow got himself to play a backhand shot. Another wide backhand landed near the net, and the American failed to reach it. This helped the Australian earn his first point in the tenth game of the second set. However, Frances Tiafoe soon closed the game, set, and match to progress into the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Tennis TV shared an excerpt of this video on social media.

“Underarm serve at match point – why not,” the caption read.

“Just what we were saying…doesn’t always go for the spectacular! Underarm serve on the match point. Did well Kubler! Did well with the advantage really well!” the commentator was heard saying and laughing during the course of this incident.

Frances Tiafoe will play against Gijs Brouwer of the Netherlands in the semi-final round of this competition.

Keep Exploring: WATCH: Novak Djokovic amusingly imitates Daniil Medvedev’s on-court mannerisms during Monte Carlo Masters practice

Frances Tiafoe wants more fan engagement during the matches

The American player is one of the few who loves to entertain the crowd. He derives his energy from the audience and the spectators. His gimmicks and antics are loved and talked about by fans and critics alike. Hence, it is expected that he advocates for a greater engagement between players and spectators.

During the Miami Open, Frances Tiafoe lent his support to make a few changes in the rules to allow spectators also to comment on the player’s performances and cheer them on. Also, he thinks if fans will be allowed to move during the match, it will help to keep the sport interesting for the fans.

“I think fans should be able to come and go and move around and speak during matches. Imagine going to a basketball game and not saying anything. I am getting pumped up and I want the crowd [to get pumped up]. I’m just doing me, just being me. I’m going to do me and do what helps me play my best,” the current World No.14 had said in an interview with Forbes.

But he also does understand that some rules have to be followed in some tournaments like Wimbledon, which is known for its strictness and policies, and traditions. But these rules make the competition one of the greatest events on the tennis calendar.

“I think fans should be able to come and go and move around and speak during matches. Imagine going to a basketball game and not saying anything. I am getting pumped up and I want the crowd [to get pumped up]. I’m just doing me, just being me. I’m going to do me and do what helps me play my best,” he continued.

In case you missed it:

• Andrey Rublev makes a weird Carlos Alcaraz prediction for the clay season as ATP stars pick their favorites
• Casper Ruud gives his take on what makes Rafael Nadal unbeatable on clay

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