"Beating someone like Rafael Nadal definitely changed my whole mindset" - says Frances Tiafoe
ATP
Frances Tiafoe was able to stun Rafael Nadal in the fourth round of the 2022 US Open, and he said that it completely changed his mindset.
Tiafoe has always been one of the most talented players on the ATP Tour. Many envisioned him as a Top 10 player, and this year, the American might finally make it happen.
However, in the previous years, Tiafoe struggled to make a proper breakthrough. He seemingly struggled with motivation to play consistently, but that changed only a few weeks ago.
He bested Nadal at the US Open, and that changed his outlook on tennis. Tiafoe talked to GQ and admitted that it was that win over Nadal that completely changed his mindset.
"Beating someone like Rafa definitely changed my whole mindset of how I see myself as a player and how I approach the biggest events in the world."
"They've been winning, winning and winning for so long, and you know, we're looking at them like they're superhuman and to beat them in the biggest stage that we have was unbelievable for me going forward you know, to believe I can really take the next step and really win these events and be one of the best players in the world consistently."
Tiafoe and Nadal shared a few words at the net after the match, but the American player can't remember what he told the 22-time major winner.
"Yeah, that was a big honor. When I shook his hand, I didn't even really know what to say to him. I was kinda like mumbling and stuff. He said congrats but I didn't even know what I said to him. I was so not in this planet. Hopefully, we have a couple more battles before he calls it."
Tiafoe was then able to bring that confidence to the Laver Cup in London, where he led Team World to their first-ever triumph at the competition.
