Thiem has the tennis to beat Nadal, it’s a big ask to follow up a victory over Nole with another over Nadal the next day but the only player I could possibly see being capable of beating Nadal over 5 sets on clay right now is Thiem.
I think he’s a lot more prepared mentally for the challenge now.
How many bog tennis titles has Needle Nadal won at this stage?
He’s won two, 2008 and 2010.
Whatever chance Thiem had has surely been extinguished by the favoritism, soft scheduling and preferential treatment afforded to Nadal from the tournament organisers. I can’t recall another instance in a Grand Slam where a men’s finalist has had to play the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the final on Sunday.
Wrong again.
Let’s go Rafa, let’s go.
Thiem has started very well. I highly doubt this will be a 3 setter like last year.
Wow.
I’ve this recording. Could you update us break points etc and the scores every so often ?
No problem buddy.
We’re in the third game here now. 1-1, Nadal on serve and 30-0 up.
Stunning from Thiem.
This is outstanding tennis.
Nadal takes the third, Thiem had forced deuce from 40-0 down but Nadal takes the next two points.
No breaks points yet but two 40-30 games and a duece game there without a break point. Very even so far.
Thiem’s defence so far has been absolutely outstanding.
2-2. Thiem holds to 15.
Thiem is getting the better of the long rallies.
What an incredible point.
First break goes to Thiem.
Thiem takes it clinically. He is playing out of his skin here.
Thiem leading. How long before needle takes an “injury” break?
The defence from Thiem is outstanding, he returned about 4 winners there before Nadal took the point.