MADRID — Rafael Nadal has found a worthy rival on clay. Dominic Thiem beat the top-ranked Nadal 7-5, 6-3 in the Madrid Open quarterfinals on Friday, breaking the defending champion’s run of 21 straight wins on clay courts. Nadal hadn’t lost a single set on clay since falling to Thiem a year ago in the Italian Open quarterfinals. But Thiem succeeded in doing the nearly impossible with his deep drives: Make Nadal look sluggish and a step slow on clay. Whenever he plays really well, it is difficult to stop him.”Since last year’s loss to Thiem, Nadal had been impeccable on his preferred surface.

Source: Philippine Star May 11, 2018 21:56 UTC