Thiem rips backhand hot shots in win over Nadal in Madrid

By Nina Pantic May 11, 2018
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Thiem rips backhand hot shots in win over Nadal in Madrid

ByNina Pantic

Published May 11, 2018

On Friday, Dominic Thiem did the seemingly unthinkable in beating Rafael Nadal in Madrid. The victory, in straight sets no less, ended Nadal's 21-match win streak, which had included 50 record-breaking consecutive sets on clay.

The 7-5, 6-3 performance saw plenty of hot shots from both men, though Nadal admittedly wasn't playing his best on the faster conditions of the Caja Májica. Madrid is his toughest clay challenge, having won the title only five times (compared to 11 crowns in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, ten in Paris and seven in Rome).

"In Monte Carlo and Barcelona, you have the feeling that you are in control of the situation. Here, it's different," Nadal said earlier this week in Madrid. "It takes you time to adapt to how the ball bounces and flies. It's not under control like the other two tournaments. Everything is a little bit more difficult."

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Thiem said his attitude was key to taking out the king of clay, especially after having won just two games in their last meeting in Monte Carlo. The 24-year-old backhand was also a big component:

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While a lot has been made of Nadal's impressive streak on clay, the 31-year-old has stayed focused on playing the match ahead of him, and maintaining his good health.

"When my career is over, these things are going to be there forever. They are big records. It's difficult to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it," he said on Thursday. "Well, it's done. It's over. Let's not talk about that any more and let's continue on what we have ahead."

Ahead of him on Friday was an on-fire Austrian with a lofty goal in mind. He got to celebrate his accomplishment right away with girlfriend Kristina Mladenovic.

Thiem will take on Kevin Anderson for a spot in the final. For Nadal, there will be little time to wallow—not that he's actually going to—as Rome starts next week. He's the top seed and Thiem, the the No. 6 seed, is in his quarter.

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Since Nadal was the defending champion in Madrid, the loss of points puts him at No. 2 in the ranking behind Roger Federer.