Google News 'Rafael Nadal has a big chance to win the Australian Open', says legend
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 8880
World number 19 Frances Tiafoe described the win over Rafael Nadal as "a life-changing moment" as he will never forget the day he stunned the Spaniard at the US Open. Tiafoe, 24, defeated Nadal 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the round of 16 at this year's US Open.
After losing her first two meetings against Nadal, Tiafoe defeated the Spaniard in her third attempt. "My favorite match this season, I mean definitely I would say beating Rafa. It was a life changing day for me. I think that day I broke social media so it was great," Tiafoe said in a video for the ATP Tour.
After beating Nadal in a singles match, Tiafoe beat the Spaniard again in the Laver Cup, but this time in a doubles match. In the final match of Federer's career, the Swiss and Nadal suffered a defeat as Tiafoe and Jack Sock defeated the two all-time greats 4-6 7-6(2) 11-9.
"If I had to sum it up, I'd say it's been a blessing. That streak I had at the US Open, to later back it up with the Laver Cup. Doing it in the United States and in London, in one of the most emblematic stadiums, is something I will always remember.
It's something to tell the grandchildren one day," Tiafoe mused. In October, Tiafoe reached a career-high of 17th in the world. Now, her goal is to enter the top-10. "Being in the top 10, obviously, is definitely a goal. But right now I'm at a point where I'd rather win a Masters Series or a Grand Slam than be number 1 in the world.
I think, you know, going for a race like that and almost savoring that, even knowing that after I won that, that I wouldn't be No.1 in the world, I would have been completely fine with that. So I think that's more what I'm after," Tiafoe said.
Nadal wants to impress everyone
Mats Wilander pointed out that 36-year-old Rafael Nadal now has the ability to win on different surfaces and venues. "Having won there for the second time for someone like him, now he has won all of the Majors twice or more, that's massive.
That's where he separates himself from the great Roger Federer, who only won one French Open. So Rafa now knows how to win in all the different venues," said Wilander on Eurosport. "He just has to get there healthy. He's going to be an absolute animal and I'm sure that he is going to play his best tennis. He has a big chance to win the Australian Open, as he does the French Open," said Wilander.