‘I believe I can beat him’ – Frances Tiafoe full of confidence ahead of Rafael Nadal encounter

Rafael Nadal’s fourth round opponent in the US Open, Frances Tiafoe, has sent a warning to the 22-time Grand Slam champion, warning: “I’m definitely going to come after him”. The young American set up the showdown with Nadal after seeing off Argentine Diego Schwartzman 7-6 (7) 6-4 6-4, while Nadal thrashed Richard Gasquet 6-0 6-1 7-5. Ad Tiafoe, the 22nd seed, is the first American man to reach the last 16 of the US Open in three consecutive years since Mardy Fish accomplished the feat from 2010-12.

US Open'I increased the level' — Nadal cruises past Gasquet in straight sets to reach last 169 HOURS AGO The 24-year-old doesn’t want to stop there, though. “Now I believe I can beat him — I’m definitely going to come after him,” said Tiafoe, who has lost his previous two encounters against the 36-year-old. “[I need to] match his intensity from the first point to the last.

You can’t really have any dips — he takes advantage of it.” Rejuvenated Zhang on remarkable late career turnaround — US Open Diary 'I needed to find the proper balance' — Swiatek digs deep to seal fourth round place Tiafoe will take confidence from his hard-fought victory over Schwartzman, a match where he had to show resilience after being broken twice in the first set. “I thought it was a hell of a match,” he said. “Especially that first set — one of the craziest sets I've played in my career.

It had everything in it. Down two breaks, serving again at 6-5, me down 6-3 in the breaker. Unbelievable how I even won the set.” Meanwhile, Nadal was full of praise for his upcoming opponent after cruising past Gaquet on Saturday — his 30th victory at night on Arthur Ashe Stadium.