Rafael Nadal’s hopes of winning a third Grand Slam title in 2022 were ended as American Frances Tiafoe produced a brilliant display to win their US Open last-16 clash in four sets.
Nadal, who was chasing a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, was hampered by the abdominal strain that forced him to withdraw ahead of his Wimbledon semi-final in July but showed his trademark fighting spirit to create a thrilling spectacle on Arthur Ashe Court.
However, Tiafoe’s shot-making proved too much for the Spaniard to overcome, and the American came from a breakdown in the fourth set to seal a 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory in three hours and 33 minutes.
Tiafoe advances to just the second Grand Slam quarter-final of his career, having reached the last eight at the Australian Open in 2019, and will next face Andrey Rublev after the Russian knocked out British No 1 Cameron Norrie in straight sets earlier on Monday.
CO/VO/ Skysports
