Rafael Nadal’s press conference following his loss against Frances Tiafoe in Round 4 of the 2022 US Open.
“Well done for him [Frances Tiafoe]. He was better than me. I played a bad match. He played a good match. I was not able to create the damage I used to.
“I was not able to hold a high level of tennis for a long time. I was not quick enough in my movement. He was able to take the ball too many times very early, so I was not able to push him back. Tennis is a sport of position a lot of times. If not, you need to be very, very quick and very young. I am not in that moment anymore.”
“Of course, this was not the ideal preparation for me. But in other cases, it has gone the right way, even without the perfect preparation. We can’t find excuses. We need to be enough of a critic [of] myself. That’s the only way to improve, that’s the only way that I understand that you are able to find solutions.
“I had been practicing well the week before, honestly. But then, when the competition started, my level went down. That’s the truth. For some reason, I don’t know, mental issues in terms of a lot of things happened the last couple of months. But it doesn’t matter. In the end, the only thing that happened is we went to the fourth round of the US Open and I faced a player that was better than me. And that’s why I am having a plane ride back home.
“Now I need to come back home, I have more important things than tennis.” 👶😍
Match Highlights:
I can’t help but notice that Tiafoe beat Rublev in straight sets today. At least Rafa took a set from Tiafoe, but too bad Rafa was not in the best shape physically and emotionally. Tiafoe is in such strong form. No sets lost except for the one to Rafa. Imagine if Tiafoe wins the whole event?! Reminds me when Coric won Cincy title and beat everyone along the way, with Rafa being the only one who could even take a set off him when Rafa was clearly compromised physically and emotionally with his wife’s health concerns. That’s why I will have 100% faith in Rafa when he returns to the tour fit and healthy. Look forward to him avenging the loss to Tiafoe and Coric too. He is still at a much higher level at age 36 when compared to the rest of the field! He is the true #1 regardless of what happens the rest of the US Open and year. Only Rafa has won 2 majors this year, beating Djokovic and lots of top players along the way! 😊
Totally agree! Rafa is no longer pursuing the #1 ranking, but it sure would be nice to see him get it back at some point with the great results from this year!
I looked at some projections. Only way for Rafa not to take back the #1 ranking is for either Ruud or alcaraz to reach the us open final. Even so, both players have lots of points to defend for rest of year, but Rafa has nothing to defend. So, Rafa still has a chance to get back #1 ranking. That would be icing on the dream 2022 cake. 🍰
Rafa is a true inspiration to players and fans alike. If you look at the current group of champions on the men’s and women’s tours, many have been inspired by Rafa! Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, Matteo Berrettini, Iga Swiatek, Paula Badosa, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Garbine Muguruza, Daria Kasatkina, to name a few – all have noted Rafa as their idol at some point in their careers! Just watching the ESPN coverage of the Iga vs Pegula US Open match now, and their showing of Iga biting the winners’ trophies is just too cute (taking after Rafa’s lead of course)!
Hi Rafa Fan, you forgot to mention Andrei Rublev! He has been a huge Rafa Fan.😃
Wondering whom the next star will be born from Rafa’s academy?! Even after Rafa retires (hopefully not until many more years), he will be inspiring future men’s and women’s champions especially with his model behavior, hard working. and fight til the end spirit. That will be his true legacy long after Rafa calls it a career.
Looks like Rafa is guaranteed to rise to at least the #2 ranking after the US Open. Ruud is the only one who can overtake him and he has been a student of Rafa’s academy. What a well deserved achievement for Rafa! 😀
It’s ok Rafa. You win most and lose very few matches. It was not meant to be this year with your injuries and physical issues and stress from personal issues. We are so proud of your two major titles this year and can’t wait until you return to competition, which we know you love! We know you will be a great dad and be a huge inspiration to your son.