New York, Sep 6 : Spanish stalwart Rafael Nadal was ejected at the US Open on Tuesday (IST) with Frances Tiafoe accounting for the 36-year-old champion of 22 singles Grand Slam titles, as the American won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory and a place in the quarterfinals in New York.Tiafoe is 24 years old and will be making his second Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance after his win at the Australian Open.
Tiafoe has never reached the quarterfinals in major tournaments.
The strong-built Tiafoe played with aplomb throughout the three-hourand 31-minute game at Arthur Ashe Stadium to earn his third top-5 win.He hit the ball over both wings and became the first American player to make it to the final eight at Flushing Meadows since John Isner in the year 2018.He is also the youngest player to achieve this feat since Andy Roddick in 2006.
“I’m over the moon I’m nearly in tears.I just can’t imagine it,” Tiafoe was quoted by ATP after the match.”I played a fantastic tennis match today.I don’t even know what transpired.”
Tiafoe did not win an inning against Nadal in his previous two matches with Nadal in his previous two encounters with the Spanish great.In the end, he struck 49 winners to turn the match to the other side, and gain revenge on his quarterfinal defeat in the Australian Open in 2019.
“At 4-3 (in the fourth set) when I was to 40/0 in the fourth set, my legs felt as if they were made of cement” Tiafoe said.”I simply needed to be out of the game and pray to God that I don’t have serve as a result of it.I was fortunate enough to be able to get out of the game.I came out and did not show Rafa the respect he deserves.I went out in order for a tennis game in in front of your guys.”
Toafoe who is seeded 22nd will play Andrey Rublev following the 9th seed Russian defeated Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 4-4.
Nadal was trying to take his fifth US Open crown.He is currently ranked No.1.in the ATP Live Rankings.Nadal’s loss, however, has opened the way for fellow compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and Norway’s Casper Ruud to become the new No.1.
“When I first came onto the scene, I felt like there were a lot of people had lots of expectations for me on how I would perform,” Tiafoe said.”I wasn’t prepared for it mentally.I didn’t have the maturity to handle it.In the last couple of years in which the pressure isn’t on me, I’ve been able grow.I have a strong team of people behind me.I’m just trying to put my mind to it and am content with my position in the world in general.I can be myself and do things my way and enjoy the sport I enjoy.”
In the end, Tiafoe’s victory against the Spaniard is the biggest win by an American man at the US Open since James Blake defeated the then world No.2 Spaniard in the third round in 2005.
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