After leaving the US Open, Rafael Nadal wants to take care of private matters first. Once again, the concept of generational change in men’s tennis is doing the rounds.
Rafael Nadal just wanted to go home. “I have to devote myself to more important things than tennis”he said Grand Slam-Record champion, as his title mission at the US Open had failed. Now the only thing that counts is the birth of his first child, which is due to be born at the end of October. Nadal said goodbye to the indefinitely Center Courts.
“I currently have no idea what my schedule looks like”, said the 36-year-old Mallorquin. He left it open when he would return to the professional tour: “If I feel like I’m ready to compete, then I’ll be there.”
Impressive series ended
The 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 loss to Frances Tiafoe of the United States marks the end of his impressive streak of 22 Grands Slam match wins this year. The left-hander won the title in Melbourne and Paris, and was unable to play in his semi-final match at Wimbledon due to an abdominal muscle injury. With the end of the Grand Slam year, he still ranks with 22 major titles ahead of Serbian Novak Djokovic (21) and Swiss Roger Federer (20).
A change of generations is becoming more and more apparent, which is proven by an astonishing statistic. At the US Open it is the first time since 2003 that neither Nadal nor Djokovic, Federer or Serena Williams are in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament. For the third time in a row, none of the “big three” will win the title at the US Open. Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev triumphed in 2020 and 2021.
Ruud or Alcaraz as the new number one?
This generational change could also be reflected in the world rankings. After Medvedev’s defeat in the round of 16, it is clear that there will be a change at the top. Nadal still hopes that the Norwegian Casper Ruud and Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz could outperform the veteran with a final in New York. “This is the circle and the reality of life”, like Nadal.
Of course he also knows that injuries increase with his age, regeneration takes longer – and that young stars like Alcaraz or Ruud are getting better and better. In tennis you have to “to be very fast and very young – and that’s not me at the moment”said the 36-year-old with a wry smile.
Tiafoe sees victory as a memory for life
The statement of his opponent Frances Tiafoe – also one of his crown princes – after the match shows how much the younger generation still holds him in high esteem: “Now I can tell my children and grandchildren: Yes, I beat Rafa”said the American.