From the dream of the 23rd Grand Slam title: Rafael Nadal failed in the round of 16 of the US Open. The 4: 6, 6: 4, 4: 6, 3: 6 defeat once morest the American Frances Tiafoe also puts a question mark over the Spaniard’s possible jump to the top of the world rankings.
The Norwegian Casper Ruud and Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz might outperform the veteran with a final in New York.
“The difference between us today is easy to explain,” said Nadal: “I played a bad match and he played a very good one. I wasn’t able to push him back. The quality and my understanding of the game were bad.”
US Open
The match ball: Nadal beaten! Tiafoe can’t believe it
4 HOURS AGO
Nadal, who won the title in Melbourne and Paris this year, must also accept the end of his strong streak following 22 successful games at majors this year. In Wimbledon, he was unable to compete in his semi-final match due to an abdominal muscle injury.
“He never does!” Nadal gives up a point prematurely lost
Tiafoe emulates Roddick
Between Wimbledon and the US Open, Nadal only competed at the Masters in Cincinnati – and failed there directly at the later surprise winner Borna Coric (6: 7, 6: 4, 3: 6).
In the all-time Grand Slam leaderboard, Nadal continues to rank with 22 trophies ahead of Serbian Novak Djokovic (21 major titles) and Swiss Roger Federer (20). In 2022 Nadal has 38: 5 wins. In addition to the two Grand Slams, the 36-year-old had won the tournaments in Melbourne and Acapulco and reached the final at the Masters in Indian Wells.
Round of 16: Nadal surprisingly loses to Tiafoe – highlights
After 2019 at the Australian Open, the great Tiafoe made it into the last eight of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career. At the US Open he failed in the round of 16 in 2020 and 2021.
With the frame on the line – desperate Nadal 1: 2 sets back
“It was one of my best games, for sure. I showed my best tennis,” said Tiafoe: “I can’t really believe and understand what just happened.”
(with SID)
“Hallelujah! Wow!” Nadal really freaks out following a gripping point
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Nadal turns it up – Tiafoe struggles with the roof
US Open
Nadal turns it up – Tiafoe struggles with the roof
4 HOURS AGO
US Open
“Hallelujah! Wow!” Nadal really freaks out following a gripping point
4 HOURS AGO