‘I’m ready for him’ – Frances Tiafoe ‘excited’ to ‘come after’ Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal will have his hands full against a fired up Frances Tiafoe in the US Open fourth round as the 22nd seed is relishing the chance to knock off the world number three.
Tiafoe has performed brilliantly in New York so far, defeating solid opponents Marcos Giron, Jason Kubler and 14th seed Diego Schwartzman all in straight sets to set a third career meeting with Nadal.
Though the 24-year-old American has not defeated the 22-time Major champion in their previous two meetings, he is a changed player since then.
“I’m definitely a different player from 2019, playing much better,” Tiafoe explained after downing Schwartzman. “I’m not going to have that first time playing him [feeling], [I’m] just excited to play.
“I’m ready. I mean, I’m excited,” he reiterated. “We’re going to play on Ashe. The best court in tennis. I’ll be ready to give my best stuff.”
Tiafoe’s first meeting with Nadal was also the first time he reached the quarter-final of a Slam, at the 2019 Australian Open, a feat he hopes to achieve again by defeating the Spaniard in New York.
Nadal has defeated Tiafoe in straight sets in both their previous meetings, so how has the American improved since then?
“I’ve just matured honestly. I’ve just matured a lot,” Tiafoe continued. “Then my game has gotten better. But, I mean, I’m serving better. Today I served diabolical.
“I just have a lot more belief in myself,” he added. “Now I believe I can beat [Nadal].
“I’m definitely going to come after him.”
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