US Open 2022: Rafael Nadal vs. Frances Tiafoe Tennis Pick and Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2022 US Open as Rafael Nadal takes on Frances Tiafoe in the Round of 16 on Monday, September 5th, 2022.

Will Rafael Nadal get the win? Will Frances Tiafoe pull off the upset? This will be a fascinating one, where we have the Spanish legend taking on the American entertainer. Who will triumph and move through to the quarterfinals at the 2022 US Open?

Rafael Nadal took down Richard Gasquet for an 18th straight time, never losing to the Frenchman. As he clashes with Frances Tiafoe, he knows it’s going to be a tough match. Nadal has not been particularly impressive so far, while Tiafoe played an amazing match against Schwartzman, taking him down in 3 tight sets. I expect Nadal to come through, but he’s really going to have to dig in here at the 2022 US Open.

Frances Tiafoe played an electric match vs Schwartzman, ultimately winning in the end. As he faces Rafael Nadal, he knows he’s going to have to bring it all out, the showmanship, the crowd, the hard hitting aggressive play. I think Tiafoe honestly has the game to win this match, but mentally speaking, no one is stronger than Rafa Nadal, and Tiafoe certainly isn’t in that state of mind to where he can consistently pepper Nadal with aggressive play. Let’s see what the American has to offer at the 2022 US Open.

Rafael Nadal and Frances Tiafoe have met twice before, with Rafael Nadal leading the head to head 2-0. Their two meetings came a while ago, Tiafoe wasn’t as good as he is now, but obviously Nadal will know how to play him. I don’t expect Nadal to lose, but this match will be very competitive, and I expect some very electric points from these two as they clash for a place in the quarterfinals at the 2022 US Open.