Shortly after being ousted by home favorite Frances Tiafoe in 4 sets at the 2022 US Open, Rafael Nadal shared a hopeful hint on his Instagram Stories regarding the future of his tennis career. “Bye NYC, always nice to be here and thanks for all the support.
See you next year!” wrote Nadal. This “see you next year” message is a notch more decisive than the one he sent to his followers after being defeated by Borna Coric at Cincinnati. At that time, Rafael Nadal expressed his sadness triggered by having to leave so soon but also left a hopeful message for next year.
“Thank you, Cincinnati, for everything. Sad to leave soon. Hope to see you all next year!” Rafael Nadal wrote on Instagram.
How Frances Tiafoe beat Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Major champion, entered the fourth round of the US Open against Frances Tiafoe with a perfect record during Majors in 2022.
The Spaniard sought his 23rd consecutive victory on the most notable stage, but the home favorite had other intentions. In three hours and 34 minutes, Tiafoe defeated Nadal 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Thus, Tiafoe has kept alive his hopes of becoming the first home player to win the US Open in 19 years. Frances gave it his all in a historic victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, playing bold and aggressive tennis and winning ten points more than Rafa.
See more stats about the match here: US Open: Rafael Nadal loses to Frances Tiafoe and blows title dreams. Before the match, Rafael Nadal practiced with the 16-year-old Frances Tiafoe at Roland Garros 2014. The players shared the court twice in 2019, and Nadal won both matches in Melbourne and Madrid.
Related: Rafael Nadal vs. Frances Tiafoe – Their rivalry explained
