KEY POINTS

  • Francis Tiafoe defeated Rafael Nadal in four sets at US Open
  • It was Nadal's first loss in a Grand Slam game this year
  • Nadal has won four ATP titles this year, including two major trophies

American player Francis Tiafoe said he "played unbelievable tennis" after he eliminated four-time champion Rafael Nadal from the US Open on Monday.

Nadal, who was aiming to extend his Grand Slams tally to 23, managed to win just one set against Tiafoe, who sealed the game in three-and-a-half hours to qualify for his second Grand Slam quarter-final.

"I'm beyond happy, almost in tears, I can't believe it. I played unbelievable tennis today. I really don't know what happened," Tiafoe said in an on-court interview.

Tiafoe's win was a milestone for American men's tennis as it has not had many brilliant moments over the years, particularly at the US Open, since Andy Roddick won the major title in 2003.

In fact, the only American men's player under age 30 to beat one of tennis' "Big Three" (Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic) in any tournament was Taylor Fritz, who defeated Nadal in the Indian Wells final earlier this year, according to Yahoo Sports.

Tiafoe also became the first American man to reach the last eight in New York since John Isner in 2018 and the youngest to accomplish the feat since Andy Roddick in 2006, according to ATP.

Going into the Round of 16 game at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, Nadal had a 2-0 lead in the ATP head-to-head against Tiafoe, who avenged those defeats with a stunning performance – he struck 49 winners and made just 29 unforced errors.

"It was definitely one hell of a performance. I played really well today, and I guess just came out there and believed I could do it. It helps that I had played him a couple of times, but I'm a different person now, different player, and went out there tried to get a W and that's what I did," Tiafoe said in a post-match interview.

Tiafoe's quarter-final clash at the US Open 2022 is against World No. 11 Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.

In shock: Frances Tiafoe reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal

Meanwhile, Nadal, who won the opening two Grand Slams this year at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, is currently World No. 1 as per the ATP Live Rankings. However, his exit from the US Open 2022 has opened the door for Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and Norway's Casper Ruud to take the top spot.