Nadal Suffers Shock US Open Defeat

For the first time in 2022, Rafael Nadal has tasted defeat in a Grand Slam, crashing out of the US Open in the fourth round after a reverse against Frances Tiafoe. The American stunned the world and those in attendance by beating Nadal 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 in New York, with the four-time winner of the tournament disappointing on the day.

Nadal had headed to New York aiming to extend his own record of twenty-three major singles titles by winning the US Open for the fifth time, but Tiafoe had other ideas. And when leading the fourth set 3-1, it looked like the Spaniard could still well be alive in the tie, but Tiafoe went on to five games in a row to make it to the quarters, sending Nadal crashing out of the tournament.

Tiafoe, who headed to Flushing Meadows as the 22nd seed, was in disbelief when Nadal’s netted shot handed him victory and a quarter-final match against Russia’s Andrey Rublev, the 9th seed. The American threw his racket to the floor and covered his face as he took in the moment of what was a magnificent performance deserving of victory. 

Speaking after his win, Tiafoe said, “Something special happened today.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m so happy. He’s one of the greatest of all time, and I played unbelievable,” the twenty-four-year-old added.

While it’s fair to say that Nadal never got into his rhythm at the US Open and looked unsettled from the get-go, it shouldn’t detract from what was an excellent performance by Tiafoe. He was clever and outworked and outthought Nadal on the day, which could enable the buoyant American to make it all the way to the final if he can continue in a similar fashion.

With Nadal’s exit from the US Open now confirmed, it means that there is only one remaining player in the competition who has won a Grand Slam singles event previously. Marin Cilic tasted success at the 2014 US Open, so he knows what the tournament is all about and what it takes to win. 

Nick Kyrgios is heavily fancied to be the eventual winner this year, with the Australian beating world number one and defending US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in four sets. Kyrgios has really come into form of late, especially after starring at Wimbledon, where he lost in the final to Novak Djokovic, who isn’t involved at Flushing Meadows.

Medvedev had gone into the tournament as the clear favourite, especially after his exploits in New York last year. However, the defeat to Kyrgios means he will lose his ranking as world number one, as well as his US Open crown, with his victor now in pole position to steal the show in typical fashion. The more professional approach continues to serve Kyrgios well, on and off the court, and winning the tournament would be the icing on the cake.