It's rare when we talk about Rafael Nadal. But this time he was beaten in the regular, by stronger than him. If the Spaniard still has a little margin on Dominic Thiem on clay, we can not say the same on hard. The Austrian literally pounded the world No. 1 for four innings, sending saddlebags on almost every racket stroke (7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6).
THIEM's Time To 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮!
After 4 hours and 10 minutes, @ThiemDomi knocks out world No.1 Rafael Nadal, 7-6 (3) 7-6 (4) 4-6 7-6 (6) to advance to the #AusOpen semifinals for the first time . # AO2020 pic.twitter.com/lWuZXBzNmt
His three victorious tie-breaks also bear witness to the influence that the 5th world player displayed during this nocturnal quarter-final in Melbourne. Admittedly, Rafa resisted, he even nearly snatched a fifth inning by charging clear saber on Thiem's ​​service to 5-4 against him in the fourth set, but a backhand pass as happy as Thiem's ​​unconscious ended by making a difference. The Austrian will face Zverev for an outsider place in the final, against Djoko or Federer.
It's been a pleasure, @RafaelNadal.
We hope to see you next year đź‘‹ AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YN0jODE6Kj
- Sport