(Tennis news) Rafael Nadal was knocked out of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in 2022 after Frances Tiafoe defeated the Spaniard 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals. Nadal, who was looking for his 23rd Grand Slam title, showed immense fighting spirit at the Arthur Ashe Court. However, Tiafoe simply proved to be too much for the 36 year old and defeated his opponent in three hours and 33 minutes. It will be the second time in his career that the 24 year old American will reach the quarter-final of a Grand Slam tournament and will face Andrey Rublev who knocked out British No 1 Cameron Norrie in straight sets.
Speaking in the on-court post match interview, Tiafoe said “I'm beyond happy, I'm almost in tears. I can't believe it. He's definitely one of the greatest of all time. I played unbelievable tennis today, but I really don't know what happened. I came out not giving Rafa all the respect, I came out to win a tennis match in front of you guys." As for his opponent Rafael Nadal, the Spaniard is expected to play at the Laver Cup in London later this month and the 36 year old said “I am going to try to be ready mentally. When I feel that I will be ready to compete again, I will be there. Tennis is a sport of position. You need to be very, very quick and very young. I was not able to create the damage I used to do."
It was a competitive match between Tiafoe and Nadal with the American taking advantage of the only break point of the first set to take it 6-4. Nadal was forced to take a medical timeout at the end of the opener and had a more aggressive approach in the second set but Tiafoe fought valiantly, breaking at 3-3 to go ahead before holding serve twice to restore his lead. With clouds gathering over the court, officials at the Arthur Ashe Court decided to close the roof in order to not cause a delay in the match. Tiafoe then went on to give Nadal a 3-1 lead and was visibly frustrated at the drop in performance. However, the American regained focus and won five straight games to secure the win.
"When I first came on the scene I felt like a lot of people had a lot of expectations of me of how I would do and stuff like that," the 24-year-old said. "I wasn't ready for it, mentally I wasn't mature enough for those moments, and these last couple of years when it hasn't been on me, I've been able to develop. I have a great team behind me, and I've been putting my head down. I'm happy where I am in life in general. I'm able to do it my way, and enjoy the game I love."
Also read: Nick Kyrgios defeats Daniil Medvedev to reach US Open quarter-finals
