Rafael Nadal dumped out of US Open by Lucas Pouille in five-set thriller

04 September 2016 11:53

Rafael Nadal crashed out of the US Open as the Spaniard lost a five-set thriller to France's Lucas Pouille in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

Nadal saved three match points in a pulsating final-set tie-break, but could not avert the fourth as Pouille triumphed 6-1 2-6 6-4 3-6 7-6 (8/6).

The 14-time major champion has now failed to go past the fourth round in his last five grand slams, while Pouille advances to meet fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils in the quarter-finals.

Nadal led by 4-2 and a break in the deciding set in Arthur Ashe Stadium but Pouille broke back, winning four out of the next six games to force a tie-break.

The 22-year-old then pulled 6-3 clear to open up three match points but, while Nadal saved them all, he then missed a simple forehand and Pouille pounced to snatch a momentous victory.

"It took everything," Pouille said on court afterwards.

"It is my first match on the centre court against Rafa. I couldn't dream better than this.

"With three match points I thought, 'you are going to win this one'. At 6-6, I was not the same. Honestly I am the most happy in this tournament.

"It is never over until the last point. I was a break down in the fifth, I came back. It is never finished until the last point is over."

Source: PA