“I don’t know when I’m going to come back”: Rafael Nadal after US Open 2022 exit

Rafael Nadal suffered a shock exit from US Open on Monday at the hands of 26th-seeded American Frances Tiafoe. He was knocked out in the round of 16 after suffering a 3-1 defeat.

Following this defeat, Nadal made a massive statement in the post-match presentation.

“I need to go back. I need to fix things, life, then I don’t know when I’m going to come back,” said the 22-time Grand Slam champion. “I’m going to try to be ready mentally. When I feel that I will be ready to compete again, I will be there.”

Nadal had cruised to the round of 16. In his wake, he defeated Hijikata and Forgini before going down against Tiafoe.

Nadal suffers first defeat in Grand Slams in 2022

This is the first defeat that Nadal has suffered in Grand Slams this year. He had the perfect start to the year as he claimed his 21st title in Australia. With it, he became a men’s tennis player winning more than 20 Grand Slam individual titles.

Following this win, he doubled his lead on his competitor Djokovic by claiming his 22nd title in France, by winning the Roland Garros. However, he could not make it to the final of Wimbledon as he suffered an injury in the quarterfinal match.

Nadal is scheduled to play in the Laver Cup, alongside Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, in London from 23-25 September. The fans will be hoping to witness him in that exhibition match.

Disappointment at US Open

Rafael Nadal is not the only player who has had a bad outing in the US Open. Apart from him, former winners Daniil Medvedev, Cilic, and Cameron Norrie have all been knocked out of the tournament.

As a result, US Open is all set to get a new champion altogether.