Rafael Nadal's hopes of winning a third Grand Slam title of 2022 were ended as American Frances Tiafoe produced a brilliant display to win their US Open last-16 clash in four sets.
Nadal, who was chasing a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, was clearly hampered by the abdominal strain that forced him to withdraw ahead of his Wimbledon semi-final in July, but showed his trademark fighting spirit to create a thrilling spectacle on Arthur Ashe Court.
However, Tiafoe's shot-making proved too much for the Spaniard to overcome, and the American came from a break down in the fourth set to seal a 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory in three hours and 33 minutes.
Tiafoe advances to just the second Grand Slam quarter-final of his career, having reached the last eight at the Australian Open in 2019, and will next face Andrey Rublev after the Russian knocked out British No 1 Cameron Norrie in straight sets earlier on Monday.
Despite having played just one match before the US Open after his Wimbledon withdrawal, Nadal, who won the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year, had battled through the first three rounds in New York to extend his Grand Slam winning streak to 22 matches.
The nature of his apparent physical struggles during Monday's defeat has left doubt over whether he is likely to play again this year, with the Spaniard currently scheduled to feature at the Laver Cup in London later this month.
