Beaten Nadal unsure of his immediate future: “I need to fix things, life. I don’t know when I’m going to come back”

The Spaniard said he would only return when he’s mentally ready

Antoine Couvercelle/Panoramic

September 6, 2022

Rafael Nadal saw his hopes of a third Grand Slam title in 2022 – and a record 23rd overall – dashed by the brilliance of Frances Tiafoe on Monday night as the American claimed a four-set win in their fourth-round encounter.

Nadal, the champion in Australia and at Roland-Garros this year, never quite looked right on Monday, his speed not there, his power dimmed and Tiafoe, playing superbly throughout, took advantage to reach the last eight.

It was great to have @RafaelNadal back in New York this year.#USOpen pic.twitter.com/MNhZHRPp6J
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2022

Afterwards, Nadal admitted he’d been below par and questioned when he’ll be back on court.

“I need to go back,” he said. “I need to fix things, life, then I don’t know when I going to come back. I going to try to be ready mentally. When I feel that I will be ready to compete again, I will be there.”

Nadal is due to play at the Laver Cup later this month, in London and his decision might be influenced by what happens in the rest of the US Open.

Though he’s in pole position right now to regain the world No 1 ranking, he could be overtaken by both Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud, depending how they do in New York.