With Rafael Nadal, Daniil Medvedev’s exits, US Open 2022 wide open

Rafael Nadal, seeded No 2, was knocked out of the 2022 US Open on Monday. American Frances Tiafoe defeated the 22-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the round of 16 match. He will now play Andy Rublev in the quarterfinal on Wednesday.

Nadal’s defeat was followed by No. 1 seed and defending champion Daniil Medvedev’s loss on Sunday. The Russian, who is competing at Flushing Meadows under a neutral flag, was stunned by Australia’s Nick Kyrgios in a 7-6 (11), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 fourth round game. 

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Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas were knocked out too. Carlos Alcaraz plays 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in his fourth round game. The latter is the only major winner remaining in the draw. 

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With the favourites out of the tournament, it is safe to say that the 2022 US Open is wide open. 

Nick Kyrgios, who arrived at New York after losing to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 Wimbledon final, is certainly a favourite to win his first Grand Slam title. The 27-year-old from Australia, seeded 23rd, had never made it past the third round of the U.S. Open until now, going 0-4 at that stage in the past. 

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He delivered 21 aces and employed his typical go-for-broke style against Medvedev.

“I’m just glad I’m finally able to show New York my talent,” the Aussie said after the win against defending US Open champ. 

Djokovic, who has won the hardcourt tournament four times, was ruled out this year owing to his COVID-19 vaccination status. The Serb has publicly taken an anti-vaccination stance and claims to be unvaccinated against the coronavirus. 

Also read: US Open 2022: Rafael Nadal slammed for taking 9-minute break mid-game vs Frances Tiafoe

Carlos Alcaraz is 19 years old. He has won five ATP Tour singles titles, including two Masters 1000 titles. He produced his best Grand Slam performances at the 2021 US Open and 2022 French Open by reaching the quarterfinals. The Spaniard is currently fourth on the ATP charts. 

A victory against Cilic can take Alcaraz to his second consecutuve quarterfinal at the US Open. He will also become the youngest man to reach the fourth round in consecutive years since Pete Sampras in 1989 and ‘90.