Rising American star Frances Tiafoe described world No. 2 Rafael Nadal as a hell of a player after their Australian Open quarter-final clash. No. 2 seed Nadal saw off 21-year-old Tiafoe 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena to make the semi-final at Melbourne Park.
Tiafoe never really stood a chance as the Spaniard broke the American early on in each set. It was tough. It was tough definitely. I mean, hes a hell of a player, man. Yeah, I mean, his ball is kicking up like crazy.
(The) court was really slow. Yeah, it was just tough to really hit the room. I felt like I was hitting a lot of balls long early. Probably overplaying. I got in a decent rhythm there for a hot sec, but hes just tough and hes played on that court, so hes more comfortable than me, Tiafoe said post-match.
World No. 39 Tiafoe knew exactly what to expect from Nadal but even that didnt help him to beat the 17-time Grand Slam champion. I mean, I dont know if he surprised me. I knew what he was going to bring to the table.
I knew he was going to bring crazy intensity, I knew the ball was going to be jumping. I knew if he got hold of a forehand, it was going to be barbecued chicken. But point in, point out, Ive never seen someone so locked in, Tiafoe said, when asked what either surprised or impressed him about Nadal.
I think thats what I take from him. I think thats what Ive been able to put in my game a little bit, playing a little more less loose points. Still not as tight as him. Thats what you saw in certain situations today.
Tiafoe stunned 2018 Wimbledon runner-up Kevin Anderson and 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov on his way to reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final. I dont even know what I would say to you, man.
Its crazy. I didnt think any of this was going to happen. If you would have asked me during the off-season, Youre going to play Rafa in the quarterfinals on Rod Laver with Rod Laver watching, I probably would have laughed.
Its unbelievable. Im just happy this didnt happen on my birthday. But to be in a quarterfinal at a slam, knowing I can do this, thats the biggest thing, Tiafoe said, when asked what phrase would he use to describe his run at Melbourne Park.
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