Rafael Nadal’s 2022 US Open dream came to an end in the round of 16. The Spanish could not with the facilities Francis Tiafoe and fell to four sets: 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and 6-3 for North Americans.
Rafa came into the game at a good pace having cadded the last six sets played. including a Overwhelming victory over Richard Gasquet in his last presentation, by 6-0, 6-1 and 7-5. Tiafoe, however, represented a much tougher opponent for Manacor as well he could not maintain the level he brought so far in the tournament.
For Nadal it was his first fall of 2022 at the Grand Slamremembering that he had devoted himself to Australian Open and Roland GarrosMeanwhile inside Wimbledon had to withdraw from the semi-finals due to injury.
Despite the fall, Nadal continues with specific options to reach the number one ranking: this will not happen only if Casper Rudd either Carlos Alcaraz they reach the final.
FRANCES TIAFOE BREEDS THE TURNOVER FOR RAFAEL NADAL 😱
Nadal suffers his first major defeat this year‼️ pic.twitter.com/NKXtMisWzs
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 5, 2022
Tiafoe had a sensational game and his pulse did not tremble to take down one of the great contenders of the contest. The American added 49 game-winning shots against just 28 unforced errors (33 to Rafa’s 26), in addition to hitting 18 aces.
For Tiafoe, who had lost his two previous encounters with Nadal, it was just his eighth win in 35 games against members of the Top 10. The highlight of his career? No doubt. In addition, he made it past the round of 16 for the first time in his career at the US Open, equaling his best Grand Slam progress (quarterfinals in Australia 2019).
The Maryland native, who just ATP title (Delray Beach 2018), will face Andrew Rublev in the quarterfinals.
Result Rafael Nadal vs. Frances Tiafoe, US Open 2022, Round of 16
| Tennis player | 1S | 2S | 3S | 4S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Nadal | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Francis Tiafoe | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
