Rafael Nadal, after suffering a gruesome abdominal injury at the Wimbledon championships, made a comeback at the US Open. However, because of the severity of the injury, he had to sit out of the warm events of the American swing. He returned after almost 50 days and is in a fragile state.

Although fans are holding hopes, Nadal himself knows that the chances of his victory have decreased considerably. In addition to that, his opponent seems confident and not at all intimidated by the upcoming match. In fact, he is quite sure of his form.

Frances Tiafoe about facing Rafael Nadal

Tiafoe, while addressing the press post his third round victory in the hard court of America, spoke about his next rival. That is the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal. He, assuring his growth since last clash said, “Yeah, I’m definitely a different player from 2019, playing much better.”

“I mean, I’m not going to have that first time playing him, excited to play. Now I believe I can beat him. If I end up playing him, I’m definitely going to come after him.” He added. The American, since Taylor Fritz’s opening round dismissal, is carrying the hopes of many fans in the home-based Grand Slam and up till now he has performed excellently.

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Read more: ‘I Played Better in Australia Than Here’ – Rafael Nadal Makes a Statement Heading Into the Second Week of the US Open

He first took down compatriot Marcos Giron and then locked horns with Jason Kubler. Tiafoe got the better of the Aussie in straight sets of 7-6 (3) 7-5 7-6 (2). Following that, he outclassed the former world No. 8 Diego Schwartzman to book a match with the four times US Open champion. Speaking of Nadal, he has also taken straight sets victories to reach the final 16.

Tiafoe hoping to turn the fortunes as he faces Nadal for the third time

The 2022 Australian and French open champion will meet Tiafoe for the third time. Their last clash was in the clay courts of Spain, where Nadal thrashed the latter in straight sets. Currently he has a lead of 2-0 and will be eyeing the last Grand Slam to end the season on a good note.

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Whereas the 24-year-old is eagerly waiting to taste his first victory against the Spaniard. Further, while Nadal is playing his first event of American swing, Tiafoe already has a quarterfinal run from Citi Open marked under his name.

Though he faced initial round exits in the ATP 1000 events of Canada and Cincinnati. Therefore, the chances of the 36-year-old winning the upcoming match are still pretty high.