Frances Tiafoe defeated Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the US Open

Rafael Nadal was defeated in a Grand Slam match for the first time in 2022 as he lost to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round of the US Open.

The home fans cheered in awe when American Tiafoe defeated four-time winner Nadal in New York by scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, and 6-3.

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The Spaniard's quest for a record-breaking 23rd major singles championship was ended by the loss.

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The fourth set was 3-1 in favour of Nadal when Tiafoe came back and won five straight games to go to the quarterfinals.

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The 22nd-seeded Tiafoe slammed his racket to the ground and covered his face in shock as a netted Nadal backhand clinched his victory.

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He thanked the crowd and then covered his face with a towel to enjoy the boisterous Arthur Ashe Stadium environment.

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Throughout this year in New York, Nadal never seemed at ease.

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Having won the Australian Open and French Open, Nadal entered this match with a 22-0 record in Grand Slam competition this year.

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With an abdominal injury, he withdrew from Wimbledon following his quarterfinal triumph.

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