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Rafael Nadal had been unbeatable in major championships in 2022. The tennis legend was 22-0 heading into his US Open fourth-round showdown with young American star Frances Tiafoe.
The keyword there is “was.” As the 24-year-old from Hyattsville, Maryland pulled off a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 upset victory over the legendary Spaniard. The entire sports world took time to stop and recognize the incredible accomplishment.
FRANCES TIAFOE HAS DONE IT pic.twitter.com/V0dnN5eXHz
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022
BIGFOE 😵🥰 https://t.co/aQM1G9LeG1
— Aldo Uresti (@AldoUresti1) September 5, 2022
He even had some famous fans in attendance.
Seal is here to cheer on Frances Tiafoe at the #USOpen. The first name on credential reads "Seal." The last name, "Seal." It says "Seal Seal." Simply incredible
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) September 5, 2022
Man. Nadal obviously not at his best, but he gave Tiafoe plenty of opportunities to buckle, and Tiafoe said no way. https://t.co/6k9cmA68P9
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) September 5, 2022
DMV love: @FTiafoe shouts out @RealDealBeal23, "my favorite NBA player," in attendance at Arthur Ashe, as Tiafoe knocks out Rafa Nadal.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) September 5, 2022
Frances Tiafoe knocks out 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal out of the U.S. Open. Biggest win for American men's tennis in a long, long, long time.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 5, 2022
TIAFOE GOT THEM NERVOUS!!!!
— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) September 5, 2022
The crowd in Flushing Meadows was equally excited.
This was so good pic.twitter.com/APmPJXG1FP
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 5, 2022
At a time where American tennis fans are saying goodbye to one superstar in Serena Williams, they may just be seeing the next generation of them in Tiafoe and Coco Gauff.
This is a moment Tiafoe has been training for his entire life. Including his first trip to the US Open when a 16-year-old Frances Tiafoe got the opportunity to practice with a then 28-year-old Rafa Nadal.
2014: 16-year-old Frances Tiafoe practices with World No. 1 Rafael Nadal
2022: 24-year-old Frances Tiafoe faces Nadal in the #USOpen 4th Round
🌟 @FTiafoe @usopen pic.twitter.com/OojoVUw9lL
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 5, 2022
Talk about coming full circle.