Marylander Tiafoe, channeling LeBron James, makes Round of 16

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Frances Tiafoe has advanced to the fourth round at Melbourne Park, his first appearance in the Round of 16 at any Grand Slam.

The 20-year-old American from Riverdale in Prince George’s County beat 34-year-old Andreas Seppi, 6-7 (3), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, on Court 3, where matches began 21⁄ hours late because of morning rain.

The No. 39-ranked Tiafoe, an alumnus of the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, beat fifth-seeded Kevin Anderson in four sets in the second round, and followed it up with a bicepsslapping celebration that drew plenty of attention.

He will next play 20th-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Thomas Fabbiano, 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-4, earlier Friday.

After his win, Tiafoe paid homage to LeBron James by copying the four-time NBAMVP’s “Silencer” — raising his knees and pushing his palm-down hands toward the ground. He also had yanked off his shirt before doing that move.

After his previous victory, a secondround upset of two-time major finalist Kevin Anderson, Tiafoe mimicked another James celebration by flexing his right biceps and slapping it five times with his left hand.

“Be interesting to see if [other players] want to try them. Just trying to bring something to tennis,” said Tiafoe, who turns 21 on Sunday.

He said his post-match choreography is not premeditated. It just sort of happens.