Time to sign off here after an enthralling four sets. I’ll leave you with another snippet from Thiem post-match, as he prepares to take on Alexander Zverev in two days’ time: “I think it’s the first time I am playing a Grand Slam semi-final and I am the older player.”
Thanks to Jonathan and Tom for doing the hard yards earlier, and huge thanks as always for reading. Here’s our report on the match. Bye!
Updated
Tumaini Carayol of this parish reminds us of some of the backroom shenanigans in the Thiem camp. He has just dropped Thomas Muster, a former world No 1 and French Open champion, after a short spell working together.
Not enough has been made of Thiem firing one of his coaches, the tennis legend in Austria, two weeks into their partnership and *in the middle of a slam*.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) January 29, 2020
This time last year he was still with Bresnik. The decisiveness he has shown off-court is reflected in his results.
Updated
Rafael Nadal speaks!
Speaking to the media after the match, Nadal said:
I don’t give up one moment during the match. I gave myself an opportunity until the last moment, so I’m happy for that, because my level of concentration and tennis was better I think. My tennis was not bad at all – it was difficult to play against him. I’m happy … [I could have had] a little bit more determination in some moments, true.”
Nadal fan Renata asks:
“Hey, I was wondering if you know whether Rafa shook hands with the umpire after the match? Btw I’m not surprised by the result. Anyone who watches the clay court season knows Dominic was always going to do this to Rafa in time. He is younger. It amazes me how hard he hits it given his size. I assume it must be timing. Go Thiem.”
Looks like a handshake happens just before just after the 8secs point in this clip … I get the sense that Nadal was infinitely more frustrated by the occasionally forgiving nature of the net cord than the umpire on this occasion.
THIEM's Time To 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2020
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
Updated
Here’s an early report from the match …
More from Thiem!
Some more post-match comments from the Austrian:
I think all the match was on a very good level, I think we were both on great form. We already had this epic match in New York two years ago.
Today I was really feeling I was lucky in the right situations. The net cord was really on my side. He’s one of the biggest legends this sport’s ever had so you need some luck to beat him. I’m full of adrenaline, full of happy moments.”
Some of the key stats from a gripping quarter-final …
Aces Nadal 11, Thiem 14
Double faults Nadal 3, Thiem 4
1st serve in % Nadal 70, Thiem 59
Win 1st serve % Nadal 69, Thiem 78
Win second serve % Nadal 52, Thiem 49
Break points won Nadal 4/9, Thiem 3/8
Winners Nadal 49, Thiem 65
Unforced errors Nadal 33, Thiem 49
Fastest serve Nadal 124mph, Thiem 127mph
Dominic Thiem speaks!
Courtside with Jim Courier, discussing the topsy-turvy fourth set, Thiem said:
I just wanted to stay in the match. It was a special situation for me, serving for the match against Rafa. It’s such a mentally tough situation – I couldn’t handle it! But I turned it around in the tie-breaker.
It’s a little bit ‘demons in the head’, as Roger has said. I was just rushing too much … changing my tactics. You have to deal with these situations almost every single game.”
It will be hard to wipe the smile off @ThiemDomi's face any time soon 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/3x8ZvCvTEk
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2020
Updated
Cheers Tom, and blimey. Once again serial lunch-delayer Nadal made a two-set deficit look like the merest of blips, but Thiem managed to overcome some late-fourth-set jitters to see it out. Did anyone really think that was going to be a straight-sets victory for the world No 5? If anything it’s more of a surprise that it didn’t go to a fifth.
Still, the Austrian progresses to a first Melbourne semi-final where he will face Alexander Zverev.
It's been a pleasure, @RafaelNadal.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 29, 2020
We hope to see you next year 👋#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/YN0jODE6Kj
Phew. That was quite the absorbing encounter, at which point I’ll pass the baton over to Stuart Goodwin to gauge some reaction and post-match analysis. Thanks.
Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal 7-6, 6-6, 4-6, 7-6 (6)!
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Thiem A fantastic crosscourt backhand pass from Thiem flicks the netcord again, but he deserved it for the shot’s stylish audacity. It’s another match point – and this time he’s got it, forced wide by Nadal’s return but keeping him pinned to the back of the court, and the Spaniard dumps it into the net to seal a superb win for Thiem. Rafa’s Melbourne angst goes on. What a display of steel and, at times, style this has been from the Austrian.
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Thiem Thiem loses his footing during another absorbing rally, but recovers swiftly and eventually has the point when Nadal pushes a backhand wide. Nadal makes no mistake next point to pull it back to 5-3, and prevails in another punishing rally to reduce the deficit to only one. A brilliant first serve from Thiem is then netted to give him two match points. But he chokes again! Thumping what his mind was doubtless telling him was a historic forehand winner into the net. He’s lost the mini-break. Then, strangeness, as Thiem’s lob is called in, Nadal half-heartedly challenges, and is vindicated, as it is indeed out. The Spaniard stays in the championship. Ah man, this is absurdly tense. Can Thiem regroup again?
Nadal 6-6 Thiem
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Thiem They have to replay the point when the line judge is caught in two minds about a Thiem shot that initially looked heading out but wasn’t. And it continues to go against serve as Thiem’s aggressive tenacity induces an overhit forehand from Nadal. He then nets needlessly to put Thiem in the box seat again at 3-2. Can he make the next point count? He can, following one of the rallies of the match, settled with a low backhand volley that’s too good for his opponent.
Nadal 2-4 Thiem*
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Thiem First blood in the tie-break to Thiem, forcing an error from the back of the court from Nadal to gain a mini-break, but he squanders the advantage by netting a lame angled drop shot, a wild backhand then gives Nadal the advantage.
Nadal* 2-1 Thiem
Fourth set goes into tiebreak!
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-6 Thiem ( *denotes next server) If Thiem wins this match from here, it’ll reflect very well on his temperament. Rafa’s temparament, we know rather more about. And his talent of course, which manifests itself here in a stunning backhand volley on the stretch at the net for 0-15. Thiem responds well with a couple of fine first serves, and then gets some more net-cord fortune with a diagonal forehand that just plops over the net with Rafa beached. An effortlessly wonderful forehand down the line from Nadal makes it 40-30, but he overhits a return next point. Rafa’s what-the-hell challenge is ruled out and it’s a tie-break. Again.
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 6-5 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Nadal, bit between teeth now, races to a 30-0 lead on his serve, though an overhit backhand grants Thiem the next point. The Spaniard then nudges Thiem around the court to induce a lame return to the net, but his opponent’s response is good, a steely forehand volley at the net taking it back to 40-30. But it can’t stop Nadal wrapping up the game with another strong wide first serve. Now Thiem must serve to save this set.
Fourth set: Nadal* 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 5-5 Thiem ( *denotes next server) And Rafa roars back. Thiem begins confidently, bullying a bouncing forehand down the middle past Nadal, but then the yips strike. The Austrian overhits a low return next point. Then, a horrible double-fault that can only be attributed to jitters – the second was a metre or so too long – and a cramped forehand into the net then hands Nadal two break points. A nerveless first serve saves the first of them, but not the second, Thiem overhitting a cross-court forehand. Nadal is back back back in this match.
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 4-5 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Nadal cruises to 30-0 as if he hasn’t a care in the world, but then pushes a long forehand too wide following a brief rally. A slanting ace was never going to be reached by Thiem, who responds well by pressuring from the net on the next point and forcing the error for 40-30. But Nadal serves well and keeps the pressure on Thiem as he prepares to serve for the match and a fifth grand slam semi-final place.
Fourth set: Nadal* 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 3-5 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Thiem begins with an ace but Nadal skilfully outlasts the Austrian in the next, very lengthy, point, eventually being offered an easy forehand pass at the net. A wonderful whipped forehand to the corner is Thiem’s response before Nadal nets a spinning backhand for 40-15. Thiem loses another challenge, when he erroneously queries a first serve out. He challenges on the next point too following a fine forehand down the line. And this proves to be a vital challenge, which he could easily have bottled. It’s in! He’s one game away from the semi-finals.
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 3-4 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) The luck is with Thiem as one of those gruelling, nerveless rallies is more or less settled when a slight net-cord deflects the Austrian’s winner past a motionless Nadal, who then dumps a low forehand on the half-volley into the net for 0-30. An uncompromising serve wins Nadal the next point, and a forehand into the net from Thiemn then brings parity. Another decent serve from Nadal is returned out by his opponent, and the No 1 seed goes on to hold. He might not be broken again, so Thiem’s got to make his next two service games count.
Fourth set: Nadal* 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 2-4 Thiem ( *denotes next server) A lovely raking Thiem forehand is unanswerable at the back of the court for Nadal, but the Austrian overhits his next attempt at an expansive winger, pushing his diagonal forehand too wide. No matter, a glorious low forehand winner down the linen makes it 30-15, and a miscued return is then sent skyward by Nadal. Which is as good a time as any to send an ace down the middle to put Thiem two games away from a semi against Zverev.
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 2-3 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Brilliant from Thiem, as - unperturbed by a potentially deceptive net-cord he manages to crown a brilliant rally with a lovely diagonal backhand that Nadal can’t handle. Strong serving and that trusty forehand swiftly take Rafa to 40-15 before a rare double fault, and a particularly poor one, but Nadal prevails following a nerveless long back-court rally to hold. This is still going to be a hell of a challenge for Thiem.
Fourth set: Nadal* 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 1-3 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Confident serve-volleying gets Thiem underway on his serve, and he eventually forces an overhit from Nadal during a long rally to take the next point too. Nadal pulls back to 30-15 before a booming, bouncing serve from Thiem is scooped off court by Nadal and beautifully caught one-handed by the umpire, Rafa’s mate. As easy a hold as Thiem has had for a while.
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 1-2 Thiem * ( *denotes next server) The importance of that previous hold is underlined as Thiem breaks! Earlier, he gets his challenge in to a line call earlier in the game rather quicker than Nadal did in the previous one, but it’s the wrong call. Nadal’s ace down the middle for 30-15 was in, unlike the crosscourt backhand in the next rally that gets Thiem back to 30-30. Thiem then outpoints Nadal around the back of the court to induce a mistake that gives him a break point, which he converts, Nadal slicing a whipped forehand too high and out of court. Is the top seed on his way out now?
Updated
Fourth set: Nadal * 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 1-1 Thiem ( *denotes next server) A vital hold for Thiem, saving three break points. Thiem larrups a forehand drive-volley at the net past Nadal at the corner of the court to get underway, but a fine return makes it 15-15. An unforced error from Thiem ensues, and Nadal has two break points when the Austrian’s horribly soppy drop shot gives Nadal the initiative in the rally, which he consolidates on his next visit to the net with a volleyed winner. A better drop shot from Thiem saves the first break point while a much better first serve gives him the advantage in the rally that he smashes home the net for deuce. But then – agh! - he dumps another wayward forehand into the net to give Nadal another break point. It’s saved with a fearless diagonal forehand just inside the line. An ace down the line is challenged by Nadal, but too late. More grumpiness ensues, as do boos from the paying punters. A slugfest of a rally is then edged by Thiem to seal the game. How important might this be?
Fourth set: Nadal 6-7, 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) The old Nadal comes out now, as he begins the set with a remorseless grinding back-court rally that he never looks like losing; it’s 30-0 when Thiem’s admirably ambitious top-spun passing shot goes out at the back of the court, but the Austrian’s flair is rewarded when he follows up an acrobatic return of serve with a glorious backhand crosscourt winner. Nadal’s strong first serve lands him the next point, before Thiem’s strong first return induces a miscued scoop from Nadal for 40-30. An overhit forehand from Thiem hands Nadal the game. You have to say Nadal looks the stronger of the two players now, but not by much.
Rafael Nadal wins the third set 6-4!
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 6-4 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Suddenly Nadal looks to be more sprightly around the court, taking advantage of Thiem’s first-serve woes to boss an aggressive rally that ends with Thiem’s backhand straying over the line. Another fierce whipped forehand induces an error that takes Nadal to 0-30. Thiem responds with a timely ace. But Nadal continues to have the upper hand and earns two set points, the first of which is squandered with an overhit return of serve but the second – following another poor first serve – is not, and Nadal digs in during a lengthy rally to ensure that Thiem blinks first, sending a tame return into the net to reduce the deficit. It’s two sets to one. Is another big comeback by one of the big guns on the cards here?
Updated
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 5-4 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Nadal’s best service game for a bit nonetheless begins badly wh en he clatters a forehand into the net following a medium-length back-of-court rally before Thiem errs when hitting his forehand return too far wide, perhaps deceived by the bounce. Nadal finally gets a rally he control that ends with his opponent netting from miles back. A slightly wayward return makes it 40-15 before Nadal bosses another rally to wrap up the game. We’re at a big pressure point now, for both players. And it’s a big test of Thiem’s cool, with the prize so near yet seeming so far.
Updated
Third set: Nadal* 6-7, 6-7, 4-4 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Thiem’s easiest service game of this set begins when a lovely crosscourt forehand is whizzed past Nadal to get Thiem’s service game underway, and it’s followed by an easy smash for 30-0. Thiem serve-and-volleys effortlessly for 40-0, pushing Nadal back and around the court, and a scuffed forehand out of the lines by Nadal gives Thiem the game.
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 4-3 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Thiem misjudges an inviting back hand opportunity down the line to get Nadal underway in his fourth service game of the set, which the Spaniard follows up with a booming serve for 30-0, but Thiem wins the next point after pushing Nadal to the back of the court and inducing a backhand error. Other than that, Nadal’s serve is too strong – it’s the part of his game that’s looking strongest at present – and he wraps up another fairly, but not totally, comfortable hold.
Updated
Third set: Nadal* 6-7 6-7, 3-3 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Nadal slashes his forehand return to start Thiem’s service game, but the Austrian then serves up a third double-fault. Again, his first-serving is a little awry, as is his volleying, when he ends a long rally by approaching the net and overhitting a too-tricky low volley. A couple of forceful first serves make amends to put him 40-30 up before a gruelling rally finally ends with Nadal slightly overhitting down the line to seal the game. Excellent defensive focus from Thiem.
“Nadal is giving the ball girls an unbelievably bad time,” writes Christine Herbert. “Seems to have been on at them all match. Shockingly out of his usual behaviour. Think descriptions don’t convey that... this is more than tetchy or fidgety, it is downright rude bullying, and the umpire should pull him up for it.”
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 3-2 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) “This match feels like at least a semifinal match or even a FINAL match,” says Lela in the US. “Impressive games played by both players that I haven’t caught any moment of sleep but glued to the television. Regardless of who wins this, they should both be proud and walk out with their head held high. I have to add though that in the past two sets, Thiem’s past experience with Nadal in the French Open Final might have helped here in reading Nadal’s shots.” Nadal races to 40-0 in no time, then seals the game with a diagonal ace. Suddenly, that was very easy for the No 1 seed.
Third set: Nadal* 6-7 6-7, 2-2 Thiem ( *denotes next server) Thiem finds this one tougher, struggling to land his first serve, but he toughs it out. He starts by erring after a long rally, miscuing an awkward backhand volley at the net out, but he hits back to end a long exchange of back-court slugging with a wrongfooting forehand to make it 15-15. More smart court-manouevring sets up Thiem for a crosscourt forehand winner but Nadal hits back when Thiem mishits a forehand that comes onto him quicker than expected. A beautiful under-pressure backhand down the line is Thiem’s wonderful response, and that sets him up to hold.
Updated
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 2-1 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Another hold that was never in doubt. Nadal cruises to 30-0 before lazily dumping a volley into the net. Forceful serve and volley action lands Nadal the next point before he steers Thiem all around the back of the court in a lengthy rally that eventually induces an error and wraps up another comfortable hold. But there’s more fidgety agitation and chatter from Nadal at the changeover; he’s apparently unhappy with the air flow inside the arena.
Third set: Nadal* 6-7 6-7, 1-1 Thiem ( *denotes next server) The win predictor tech boffins give Thiem an 86% chance of victory from hereon in, and he seeks to prove them right with a flawless service game, which starts with a fierce ace down the middle, his sixth. A brilliant raking backhand to the back line following a challenging rally takes Thiem to 30-0, a seventh and eighth ace follow. Ruthless stuff.
Third set: Nadal 6-7 6-7, 1-0 Thiem* ( *denotes next server) Thanks Jonathan. It’s tense here, even with Thiem two sets up and deservedly so, and Nadal tetchier than usual. The Spaniard duly starts the third set with an unremarkable and comfortable service hold to 15.
Ok, to see you through the remainder of the match it’s Tom Davies.
Thiem wins the second set 7-6 (7-4) to move 2-0 up
Second set: Nadal 6-7 6-7 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal tries to drop but the execution has way too much height and a man as rapid as Thiem has no problem gobbling it up for two set points. He only needs one! A net cord lands his way meaning Nadal can only pat a gentle backhand in Thiem’s direction. The Austrian has time to pick his spot and power home in exuberant fashion.
Tiebreak 4-7
Updated
Second set: Nadal 6-7 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) After the change of ends a good first serve from Nadal brings him back to just one point behind, then Thiem hits wide mid-rally under no pressure - and we’re back on level terms! If the Austrian is feeling the occasion he hits his way out of his anxiety with that glorious inside-out forehand to inch ahead once again, but we’re back on serve.
Tiebreak 4-5
Second set: Nadal 6-7 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) Thiem has a clear mind, coming in behind another first serve to move up 4-0 at the net. Nadal scrambles tenaciously to claw back one of those mini-breaks then his opponent loses focus, ripping a forehand into the net way before he needed to pull the trigger.
Tiebreak 2-4
Second set: Nadal 6-7 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) Thiem gets on the board quick as a flash - he’s won 94% of points on first serve this set. Then Nadal gets way too cute with a backhand volley at the net “he makes that 99 times out of 100” Jim Courier laments on TV. Thiem rams home the mistake with some ferocious hitting, landing blow after blow, making even the great Nadal defence look vulnerable.
Tiebreak 0-3
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal is edgy. He doesn’t commit to the opening point then he’s too conservative at 0-15 and Thiem’s Matrix-like shot pre-emption makes him pay both times. He claws back a point then goes for the money shot, pounding a forehand into the corner from a deep Thiem backhand. Thiem responds in kind though, hustling the Spaniard then mugging him with a backhand on the run into unguarded territory. The crowd lifts. And Nadal follows, saving set point with a one-two serve-forehand combo that’s too hot even for Thiem’s astonishing pace.
Deuce doesn’t last long then Nadal holds, improbably, with a backhand clipping the outside of the line after Nadal asked for a review.
To another tiebreak we go.
Updated
Second set: Nadal 6-7 5-6 Thiem* (* denotes server) While Nadal is fighting his demons Thiem is quietly returning to his form of the opening set and eases up 30-0 with some blistering groundstrokes. Nadal pins a point back in possibly the point of the match - heck, maybe even the point of the tournament - full of amazing court coverage, shot selection, power, and precision. You can tell by the sound sometime, the venomous pop off the racket followed by squeaks from the sneakers on the court. But that’s as good as it gets for Rafa, Thiem lands a couple of first serves and he’s guaranteed at least another tiebreak.
Updated
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 5-5 Thiem (* denotes server) “12 points to five in favour of Dominic Thiem since the time violation” Lleyton Hewitt says on TV. That quickly becomes 12-7 when the No 1 seed nails a couple of serves but he hands both points back soon after when he slaps consecutive forehands wide. 30-30 feels tense; the crowd hushed but Rafa does enough to provoke a backhand error from Thiem, then thunders down his second ace of the game for a very valuable hold.
“Regarding the watch,” emails Shervin Abdolhamidi, “he’s been wearing that for the past 5-6 years at least. He gets paid a tremendous amount of money for it, but it weighs next to nothing, which is why it doesn’t seem to bother him. But I was surpirsed when he started wearing it as well.”
Nadal is blowing up on the changeover. This time it’s about the aircon unit at his chair not working properly.
Updated
Second set: Nadal 6-7 4-5 Thiem* (* denotes server) Energised by Nadal’s gift giving Thiem puts his pedal to the metal and scorches to 40-0, showcasing a return to serving form. Nadal then pushes a backhand wide to drop the game and he stomps off to his chair wrestling a few demons. Huge service game coming up for the Spaniard.
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 4-4 Thiem (* denotes server) Here we go. Thiem streaks to 0-30 with a couple of winners - the first ending a powerful point, the second a fortunate stretch that just lands inside the baseline. Nadal then dumps a sloppy forehand into the net to face three break points. And he gives it up with a double fault! That was a poor double too, his second serve hitting midway up the net. Nadal is rattled. He engages the match referee, perhaps still bothered about the earlier time violation.
Second set: Nadal 6-7 4-3 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem holds a scrappy game to 30.
“I notice Nadal is wearing a wristwatch - while playing a major quarterfinal!” emails an incredulous Robin Prior. “How much do you think he’s getting paid to do that, or is he wearing it by choice?” Nadal is so meticulous it’s impossible to believe he would do anything that was not in accordance with what he believes is in the best interests of his game. However, a quick Google suggests he sports a timepiece that retails at $725,000. So probably a little column a, a little column b.
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 4-2 Thiem (* denotes server) The first long exchange in some time arrives at 15-15, and it ends Thiem’s way, the Austrian repelling some massive topspinning forehands from Nadal before edging into court and fizzing that majestic backhand down the line. Another scintillating rally follows, bang, bang, bang, like a shooting range, from one corner to the other, each man giving his all to hang in the point until Nadal finds the winner.
“You don’t like good tennis” Nadal bemoans to the umpire after he receives a time violation. He’s been on thin ice all night, but that one feels a tough harsh considering the exertion of the previous couple of points. Perhaps with a bit more spite in his action, Nadal serves well to set up a hold to 30. Break consolidated.
Second set: Nadal 6-7 3-2 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem’s first double fault of the night is followed quickly by a Nadal crosscourt backhand that is way too hot for the onrushing Austrian, and for the second service game in a row the No 1 seed has 0-30 to build on. This time he converts it into 0-40 when Thiem’s stone-handed volley allows Rafa plenty of time to come in and pick his spot. Wow! Another double fault and Thiem is broken to love. No first serves at all that game and his percentage is down to just 33% for the set.
When Nadal broke in the opening set Thiem hit back immediately, can he repeat the trick?
Updated
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 2-2 Thiem (* denotes server) Thiem is playing superbly but one area he could improve on is throttling back the attempted return winners and just settle for engaging Rafa in open court. The Austrian throws away the opening point with an ambitious swipe then overhits a second serve return before an ace and a deadly wide swinging first serve complete a routine love hold for Nadal.
Second set: Nadal 6-7 1-2 Thiem* (* denotes server) Nadal picks up the tempo at the start of game three of this second set, stepping in and firing backhands behind Thiem, catching him off guard to move up 0-30. An ace steadies the Austrian’s nerves then he comes out on top of a rollercoaster rally full of net cords, lobs and reflex tennis. 30-30 quickly becomes a secure hold and Nadal’s window of opportunity closes.
Second set: Nadal* 6-7 1-1 Thiem (* denotes server) Rafa responds with a speedy hold to love.
Second set: Nadal 6-7 0-1 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem holds to 15 in a comparatively scruffy game to open the second set. What was notable was the Austrian’s continued intent. He is not allowing Nadal to dictate terms tonight and so long as he continues to hit his marks he is deep into this contest.
We could be in for a loooooong night. Little to separate this pair in a high quality opening set either on the scoreboard or on the stats sheet. A brief delay between sets while both men change from their sweat drenched outfits.
Thiem 7-6 Nadal
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 29, 2020
Such a high quality set. Probably the best of the tournament.
Took 1h08m as well. So somewhere in Melbourne, Zverev is sitting in his air conditioned hotel, sipping some coke, and smiling. #AusOpen
Updated
Thiem wins the first set 7-6 (7-3)
First set: Nadal 6-7 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal needs to respond to Thiem’s run of points - and he does. The Austrian tries to drill a backhand down the line but it bounces nicely into Nadal’s hitting zone and he monsters a forehand from corner to corner with ferocious power. He tries again the following rally but this time he misses the mark. Worse is yet to come when Thiem somehow nails a clean return winner after Nadal declined to play a shot to a fizzing forehand that was just good enough. Three set points - but the fifth seed only needs one of them, hanging tough in a baseline exchange then running around to whip a forehand, Federer-style, into the corner.
Thiem gets his nose in front.
Tiebreak 3-7
Updated
First set: Nadal 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) Brilliant speed and power from Thiem to earn the mini-break back, then he moves up in the tiebreak when Nadal tightens on a forehand. A second error in a row from the Spaniard gives his opponent daylight.
Tiebreak 2-4
First set: Nadal 6-6 Thiem (* denotes server) Rafa whips out a surprise drop shot to catch Thiem off guard well behind the baseline to hold his opening serve. Both men then trade topspin heavy blows from the back of the court before Nadal sets up the one-two punch perfectly, putting away the volley at the net for the first mini-break. Thiem gets on the board in neat fashion, watching a half-volley onto his racket off a net cord before dropping it delicately over the net.
Tiebreak 2-1
First set: Nadal 6-6 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem drops the opening point but then sends down four thundering first serves, including two aces, all wide to Rafa’s forehand. We’re off to a tiebreak.
First set: Nadal* 6-5 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal looks to be cruising to 30-0 but he can’t put away about half-a-dozen winner opportunities, most at the net, with Thiem scrambling haphazardly until he frames a lob that floats as if to land long before dropping like a stone, much to Nadal’s disappointment. The world No 1 gets in powerfully behind a couple of second serves to regain the ascendancy then benefits from Thiem missing the mark with a Hollywood return.
Nadal wins to 15 despite landing just one first serve that game.
Rallies of 0 to 4 shots
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 29, 2020
Nadal leads 28-15
Rallies of 5 shots or more
Thiem leads 16-6
First set: Nadal 5-5 Thiem* (* denotes server) This is a high quality tennis match. A 13-shot rally could go either way but Thiem spots a forehand into the corner to steal a 40-15 lead. A Thiem error then a Nadal winner takes the game to deuce but the Austrian pulls out two of his best shots off the tee so far to hold.
Between games Nadal was complaining that the serve clock is against him because he’s sweating so profusely in the heat that he requires more time to dry himself down. Hmmmm, I’m not sure such a notoriously slow server will find much sympathy.
Updated
First set: Nadal* 5-4 Thiem (* denotes server) Thiem rips a forehand winner that bruises the line then Nadal ties himself in knots trying to half-volley off his toes on a rare foray to the net. He doesn’t lose his cool though and digs into the game, earning 30-all at which juncture the point is replayed after Thiem catches the back eighth of the line with a shot called out. Nadal’s response? An ace, to hand him his first set point. And Nadal takes an age to get into it, letting his first serve, missing his second, then dawdling over his third. Thiem retains his composure with some forceful tennis, drive-volleying a forehand that Nadal cannot deal with.
Deuce is a study in power hitting from both men and it ends with a backhand from Thiem the likes of which you have never seen before. Fierce doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. That was beautiful violence. Nadal serves his way back to deuce but Thiem’s backhand earns him his second break point. Nadal lands a wide swinging first serve to save but hands the initiative back to his opponent with a loose forehand early in an exchange. And Thiem doesn’t miss out a third time, nailing his 12th winner of the set to earn the immediate break back.
First set: Nadal 5-3 Thiem* (* denotes server) Ooh. Two unlikely errors from Thiem open the first service game with new balls. The first was an overcooked forehand, the second a ricochet of a backhand. Nadal senses blood and pounces, sending a high bouncing ball crosscourt, giving him time to accelerate forward in prime position to drill a backhand into the open court. Three break points - but Rafa needs only one - defending superbly and ending the game with a pair of lobs, the first a running forehand, the second an inch perfect backhand that the onrushing Thiem could do nothing with.
Despite Thiem looking the likelier of the two in these early exchanges, Nadal has the crucial break.
First set: Nadal* 4-3 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal’s most comprehensive service game of the night. He requires just seven shots to hold to love.
First set: Nadal 3-3 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem is out-hitting Nadal by about 10 kph on both wings. It means the match looks like it’s on the Austrian’s racket with the fifth seed working Nadal a long way behind the baseline. But this is not Nadal’s first rodeo and a power gap does not mean a power deficiency for the muscular lefty and he reminds Thiem who he’s dealing with when he spanks a forehand winner with masses of topspin. At 15-30 the game is alive and the latest in a long line of gorgeous points unfolds with both men hitting beautiful shots one way then the next before Thiem drills another forehand winner. The game soon follows.
Three service holds, just one point conceded for Thiem so far.
Updated
First set: Nadal* 3-2 Thiem (* denotes server) Thiem hits a brace of pure forehands to test Nadal at 15-30. The first was a clean winner with a hint of inside-out, the second a punishing drive to Nadal’s forehand corner from the centre of the baseline with serious force. The Spaniard responds well initially but then fumbles a forehand to offer the first break point of the night. A fine 198 kph first serve closes that door. Deuce doesn’t last long because Thiem overhits on both flanks, the second time by a matter of inches after unfurling his trademark backhand piledriver that looked a winner off the racket.
First set: Nadal 2-2 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem holds to love again. Nadal still yet to land a blow on the Austrian’s serve.
Thiem has talked of his extra aggression on hard courts to win shorter points and he demonstrates that intent with a Djokovic-like point to move up 30-0, pushing Nadal one way then the other before scampering to the net to put away the backhand volley. That variety makes Thiem a much more dangerous proposition.
First set: Nadal* 2-1 Thiem (* denotes server) A 25-shot rally opens the third game of the night, both men working a variety of angles and spins before Thiem finds the net with a forehand down the line. Point three is even better, with scrambling defence on both sides of the net curtailed by Thiem pinging a forehand winner. Nadal eventually holds to 15 with some solid serving.
Jonas Canizares has emailed in about the courts. “AO has said goodbye to the rebound ace surface and started to use green set this year. I’m actually wondering why the courts are playing slow given that green set is also used by Basel, the Paris Masters, and the WTF, among others.” Sam Groth suggested yesterday it’s a consequence of the cooler conditions in Melbourne this tournament. We should see more pace over the next couple of days.
Updated
First set: Nadal 1-1 Thiem* (* denotes server) Thiem holds to love in a nice confidence building start to his evening.
First set: Nadal* 1-0 Thiem (* denotes server) Nadal serves first and he begins in fine style, punching a forehand winner, then an ace, before Thiem demonstrates his howitzer single-handed backhand, ending a crisp ten-shot rally with a crosscourt winner that puts Nadal on notice. Another fine rally unfolds but Thiem overhits a fraction despite acting as aggressor behind Nadal’s second serve. A double fault follows but it doesn’t prevent a hold to 30.
The players are hitting up. Thiem, 26, right-handed, in a natty Adidas get-up that’s predominately duck egg blue. Nadal, 33, left-handed, filling out a hot pink sleeveless top that bears his bull logo.
Frenchwoman Aurelie Tourte is the chair umpire.
This being Australia, sporting schedules are at the mercy of broadcast partners, so we’re running a few minutes late. The two protagonists are on their way down into Rod Laver Arena now though, and we should be underway shortly.
Updated
If any stylists are watching tonight, there’s a couple of wealthy young men who could do with some tonsorial guidance. Thiem is rocking some questionable blonde streaks this fortnight like a 90s Europop backing dancer. “I had one day off in Miami, I went to the hairdresser and that’s it,” he said preseason. “I really love the hairstyle now, even though many people around me don’t.”
Meanwhile it’s surely time Rafa embraced the clippers - or some expensive plugs - before he enters Bobby Charlton territory.
In case you’re a neutral looking for a reason to barrack for someone, Dominic Thiem is a massive Chelsea fan. Nadal supports Real Madrid, despite his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal (AKA The Beast of Barcelona) appearing over 200 times for Barca.
Nadal has a 9-6 win-loss record against top-ten opponents in the past year but Thiem’s record is near identical at 9-5, suggesting he is at home on the big stage.
Thiem is ranked fifth in the world across all surfaces, but on hard courts over the past 52 weeks that rating drops to eight, Nadal is No 1 overall as well as on tonight’s picturesque blue.
Thiem’s record may make him look like a clay court specialist but his performances on hard courts are on the improve. He won his first Masters title at Indian Wells last year, and finished runner-up at the ATP Finals in London, knocking off Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the process. He is learning to become more aggressive and use more of the court, instead of trading blows from the baseline.
Updated
Head-to-Head: Nadal leads the duel 9-4, a record that includes consecutive French Open final victories. Curiously, they’ve only met once on a hard court (12 of their 13 matches have been on clay) and that was a classic five-setter in the 2018 US Open quarter-finals.
Also, if you missed this from yesterday, it’s a heck of a story.
Before we get stuck in, a quick look at what happened earlier in the women’s singles. It’s been a typically open tournament but two of the top four seeds remain while three of the semi-finalists have grand slam winning pedigree.
Weather: It’s been the hottest day of the tournament so far and temperatures remain in the low 30s C although as night falls they will drop steadily towards the low 20s.
But be warned, today was a warm-up (pun intended). Tomorrow will push the high 30s for the first time this fortnight while Friday will likely hit an ugly 40, accompanied by roaring northerly winds. Unpleasant.
A bit of everything is in store for Saturday, meaning the women’s singles final will likely be under cover. Then, because Melbourne is ridiculous, the men’s final on Sunday will be a chilly affair, with temperatures in the teens, kept down by blowy south-westerlies.
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of the last quarter-final of the men’s singles draw of this Australian Open. World No 1 Rafael Nadal takes on fifth seed Dominic Thiem at 7.30pm local time (8.30am GMT).
When Australia’s apocalyptic skies dominated the news cycle on the eve of the year’s first grand slam there was a sense of foreboding around Melbourne Park. Since then the skies have cleared and events on court have proceeded in an orderly fashion.
In the men’s draw, of the five men left standing only one - Alexander Zverev - is not ranked among the top five, but even he is still seeded seven, and arrived at last year’s event ranked fourth. The pair of favourites, Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have dropped just one set apiece.
Fortunately Roger Federer has been on hand to provide enough drama to make this a memorable championship. If tonight’s match is half as engrossing as Federer’s miraculous escape from the clutches of Tennys Sandgren yesterday then we are in for a treat.
Nadal has grown into his Australian summer after looking below par during the ATP Cup. His trademark steely determination was on display against Nick Kyrgios in round four.
Thiem was taken the distance by wildcard Alex Bolt in round two. Since then he has hit his straps and looked particularly impressive last time out against the dangerous Gael Monfils. This is the furthest the Austrian has even journeyed at this event.
Both men are at home on clay, not hard courts, so expect plenty of long baseline exchanges. The Australian sun has shone brightly today so any war of attrition suits Zverev, who awaits in the semi-final after he overcame a sluggish start to down Stan Wawrinka earlier.
This is always more fun if you join in, so feel free to share your thoughts via email jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com or Twitter @JPHowcroft.
Updated
