Frances Tiafoe ended Rafael Nadal’s 22-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments by beating the 22-time major champion 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the US Open’s fourth round on Monday.
Tiafoe, seeded 22nd at Flushing Meadows, buried his head in his hands and cried on the court after he shook hands with No. 2 seed Nadal. He sat on the bench and buried his head in a towel as Nadal walked off and waved to the crowd.
The 24-year-old Tiafoe is the youngest American man to reach the quarterfinals at the US Open since Andy Roddick in 2006. It’s the second major quarterfinal of his career.
“I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m beyond happy. I can’t believe it,” said Tiafoe, who faces No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev next. “He’s one of the greatest of all time. I played unbelievable tennis today, but I don’t even know what happened.”
American Frances Tiafoe has beaten Rafael Nadal in four sets in the fourth round of the U.S. Open, bringing to an end the 22-time major champion's 22-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments. https://t.co/Blu6Baegmt
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 5, 2022
He has done it!!!!!!
Prince George's County native @FTiafoe upsets Rafael Nadal at the U.S. Open!!!
For the first time in his career, Tiafoe is going to the U.S. Open Quarterfinals. pic.twitter.com/nLF71Si7Iv
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) September 5, 2022