Rafael Nadal returns to US Open action this evening for his fourth round match against American 22nd seed Frances Tiafoe.
The Spaniard, a four-time champion here, has looked very good in his first three matches and will be heavily favored to overcome the dynamic Tiafoe here. Victories against Richard Gasquet, Fabio Fognini and Rinky Hijikata have come fairly cheaply for Nadal, who appears to be managing the limitations imposed on his game by the abdominal injury that abruptly ended his Wimbledon campaign in the semi-finals.
A new swing and slower serve have helped stave off the injury, but could that give Tiafoe a way into this match?
On current form, it would take a brave man to bet against Nadal at Flushing Meadows as he goes in search of a third Grand Slam title of the season and a record 23rd overall.
However, in Tiafoe he faces an intriguing opponent, who will have home support on his side even though Nadal is a real fan favorite in New York.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, which has seen him break into the world’s top 25 for the first time. His form in this event so far has done little to quell expectations, with three consecutive wins in sets including a demolition of 14th seed Diego Schwartzman from Argentina.
Andrey Rublev awaits the winner of this one in the quarterfinals.