Dominic Thiem stunned Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open 2020 quarter final. In an enthralling match between the star players, Thiem came out on top with a 7-6(7-3) 7-6(7-4) 4-6 7-6(8-6) victory over the Spaniard. This victory is the first time Thiem has beaten Nadal on a hard court.
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The Austrian defeated Nadal for the first time in a Grand Slam event, having lost on six previous occasions. The World No. 5 hit an astonishing 65 winners and won an impressive 78% of his first serve points. Nadal, on the other hand, managed 49 winners and won 69% of his first serve points.
"I can't wait to be back on Friday." @ThiemDomi looks ahead to his semifinal battle with @AlexZverev on Day 12 👀 #AO2020
Thiem Puts in a Dazzling Display
The first set tie-break saw Nadal start strongly with a 2 point lead with a mini-break. However, Thiem held his own to get the mini-break back and went on to win the tie-breaker 7-3.
Nadal took the initiative in the second set and went a break up to lead 4-2, only for Thiem to break back and force a tie-break once again. Thiem started the second set tie-break well and took a 3-0 lead. He took the second set with a 7-4 win in the tie-break.
The World No. 1 did manage to win a set back in the third, breaking his opponent at 5-4. The fourth set was a bit of a roller-coaster. Having broken Nadal to go 3-1 up, Thiem could not serve out the match as Nadal forced a third tie-breaker. A lot of drama ensued in the last few points as Nadal stopped play to challenge a call on match point. A good challenge on match point allowed Rafa to go level at 6-6, but Thiem proceeded to win the set and the match.
Fans on Twitter were left stunned by this upset. Tweets started pouring in as soon as the match ended.
What a warrior this man is. @RafaelNadal | #AusOpen
I choose to believe they're taking down the net so Thiem can take it back to his hotel room, wrap himself in it like a cocoon and sleep the sleep of the righteous.
Fans were also quick to appreciate the fight Nadal put up, albeit in vain.
Thanks once again @RafaelNadal for your unbelievable fighting spirit. Rest & Recover well! #VamosRafa
@RafaelNadal So proud to be your fan Rafa💖Sometimes it’s not your night🎾Thank you for being you&showing the fight &tennis we love💖Loved seeing you in Melbourne &for all the great moments&time you gave us💖Onto the next💪🏼Take care of you&huge hug😘
The best ♥️♥️
What a warrior this man is. @RafaelNadal | #AusOpen pic.x.com/IodNN4FEbw
A Delighted Dominic Thiem was All Smiles
I’m more surprised that Thiem won ALL three of the tie-breaks against Rafael Nadal 😳 #AusOpen
Epic. @ThiemDomi | @RafaelNadal | #AusOpen
Dominic Thiem will now face German Alexander Zverev in the semifinal on Friday.