Thiem ousts Djokovic for Nadal test News

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Thiem ousts Djokovic for Nadal test

By Daily Sports on June 8, 2017

Sixth-seed Dominic Thiem produced one of his finest displays on clay Wednesday to knock holder Novak Djokovic out of the French Open.

And with that, the Austrian booked his “toughest opponent ever” , Rafael Nadal, in the semi-final at Roland Garros on Friday

Nadal is the fourth seed and Thiem’s problem is that the Spaniard is in ominous form, having dropped just 22 games during his charge into the last four.

Thiem is the only player to have beaten Nadal on clay this season, but the 23-year-old is under no illusion about the size of the task that awaits him in Friday’s semi.

“I mean, it’s a joke how tough it is to win a slam,” Thiem, told reporters after beating Djokovic 7-6(5) 6-3 6-0 in the quarter-finals.

“Because obviously now I beat Novak. On Friday is Nadal. In the finals there is another top star. That’s why it’s a slam because it’s such a tough achievement.”

Thiem, who plays with a single-handed backhand, said he needed to improve the defensive side of his game after struggling against the ferocious top-spin on Nadal’s forehand during their last few encounters.

“I just have to watch that I’m not giving him his favorite positions on the forehand,” he added. “I mean, it’s one of the best shots I think ever in tennis. So anyway, you cannot avoid it all the time. I will concede some winners on Friday.”

*photo shows Dominic Thiem in action.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 8, 2017