Chasing his 23rd major title, Rafael Nadal entered his match-up with American Frances Tiafoe as the prohibitive US Open 2022 odds tennis favourite to secure his tenth quarter final appearance at the US Open. With Novak Djokovic unable to play at Flushing Meadows this year due to his vaccination status, and Nick Kyrgios knocking off the number one seed Daniil Medvedev in their fourth round affair earlier in the day – Nadal had a prime opportunity to move two clear as the all-time Grand Slam leader.
However, after turning 36 in June and having to contend with a number of niggling injuries in recent years, Nadal’s time at the top is constantly being threatened by a young crop of talented prospects who are eager to stamp their authority on the tour. The Spaniard ran into one those players in Tiafoe on Monday – whose athleticism, racquet head speed and willingness to play with reckless abandon proved too much.
Additionally, with the home crowd behind him, Tiafoe appeared to thrive in the high-pressure environment, playing with a level of confidence that you would expect of someone many years his senior. After the American took the first set 6-4, it was imperative that Nadal returned serve in the second set to heap the pressure back on his inexperienced opponent. He managed to do just that, utilising all of his nous and discipline to force Tiafoe into making ill-advised errors in crucial moments down the stretch. Nadal ultimately won the second set 6-4.
That didn’t deter Tiafoe, as he maintained his adlib and attacking brand of tennis for the remainder of the match, leaving Nadal bereft of answers. The 24-year-old American’s commitment to hitting his groundstrokes with conviction never wavered – and after securing the third set 6-4, it was apparent that his gameplan was working to perfection.
Tiafoe’s resolve was tested in the fourth however, as he found himself down 3-1. He fought back admirably to win five games on the trot, and in doing so, became the first American to reach the quarter final in New York since John Isner in 2018. Additionally, he became the first player from the United States to defeat Nadal since James Blake achieved the feat in 2005.
“I’m beyond happy, almost in tears, I can’t believe it,” Tiafoe said. “I played unbelievable tennis today. I really don’t know what happened.
“At 4-3 [in the fourth set], when I went up 40/0, my legs were like cement.
“I just needed to get out of the game and then pray to God that I don’t have to serve for it. I was lucky enough to get out of that game. I came out not giving Rafa all the respect. I came out to win a tennis match if front of you guys.”
For Nadal, although his defeat to Tiafoe marks just his first loss at a Grand Slam this year, the rigors of professional tennis at 36 is beginning to take its toll.
“I need to go back. I need to fix things, life, then I don’t know when I’m going to come back,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said.
I’m going to try to be ready mentally. When I feel that I will be ready to compete again, I will be there.”
With such an open field of players now in the running at Flushing Meadows, you will need to have an in-depth look at the tennis tips to determine who will take out this year’s US Open.
