Former two-time US Open winner and world number eight Rafael Nadal crashed out in the third round of the grand slam on Friday night. He conceded a two-set advantage to finally lose in five sets to world number 32 Fabio Fognini of Italy.
Nadal after taking a two set lead was also ahead in the third set 3-1, before his fortune turned. Fognini wrestled his way back into the game and claimed a 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win over Nadal at Flushing Meadows. Fognini will next face Spain's Feliciano Lopez in round four.
This is first time Nadal hasn't won at least one major in the last 11 years.
Nadal won the US Open in 2010 and 2012 and was a finalist in 2011. He missed out playing owing to ill health in 2011 and 2013. Injury-ridden Nadal by his own high standards has had a poor season in 2015. He lost in quarter-finals at his favourite French Open and also in Australian Open. He suffered a humiliating second round loss in Wimbledon and now he has been ousted at third round here in Flushing Meadows,
