US Open wrap: Nadal crashes out but vacant World No. 1 spot is still down to three players

Rafael Nadal can still reclaim the vacant World No. 1 spot but he'll have to hope that two other players don't reach this year's US Open final.

Sep 6, 2022 - 06:24
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US Open wrap: Nadal crashes out but vacant World No. 1 spot is still down to three players

Talented 22-year-old Frances Tiafoe scored the win of his life on Monday night when he defeated the legendary Rafael Nadal in four sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Frances Tiafoe defeats Rafael Nadal
Frances Tiafoe celebrates his win over Rafael Nadal at the US Open. Image via AFP

Nadal crashes out of the US Open

Rafael Nadal’s exit at the fourth round stage of this year’s US Open means that men’s tennis will have a brand new World No.1 when the rankings are updated on Sunday.

As reported yesterday on the South African, Daniil Medvedev will relinquish his World No. 1 ranking and it’s now that vacancy can be filled by one of three players.

Nadal, Ruud or Alcaraz will claim top spot on Sunday

Nadal’s defeat to Frances Tiafoe has left the door open for both Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz to become World No. 1 for the first time in their respective careers.

Either Norwegian Ruud or Spaniard Alcaraz would become the world’s best player if they were to make Sunday’s final. If neither of them do, then it’s Nadal who reclaims the top ranking. If both of them make the final, which is still possible,

READ: Rafael Nadal will regain the World No. 1 ranking on Sunday if these things happen

Ruud faces big-hitting Italian Matteo Berrettini tonight in his quarterfinal matchup. Alcaraz is currently on court against Marin Cilic in his fourth round match.

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