September 06, (THEWILL) -Rafael Nadal, who has won 22 grand slam titles and holds the male record for the most titles, has been knocked out of the US Open by American, Frances Tiafoe.
At the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York, the Maryland native, overcame Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a showdown that lasted more than three hours and thirty minutes.
The 36-year-old Nadal is currently 22-1 this season, after suffering his first defeat in a grand slam match this year. Before pulling out of Wimbledon in July, just before his matchup with Australian, Nick Kyrgios, in the semifinals, the Spaniard won the Australian Open and the French Open.
Tiafoe, according to Nadal, played more steadily than in their previous meetings, served well, had nice backhands, and was speedy. Nadal said he has to “fix things” and would return to competition when he is mentally prepared, but he is unsure of when that will be.
Since 2006, when Andy Roddick, then 24 years old, reached the final of the US Open, Tiafoe, 24 years old, is the youngest American male to make it this far.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
