Rafael Nadal out of Australian Open, could lose No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic
Top seed Rafael Nadal is out of the Australian Open after being beaten in the quarterfinal by Austrian Dominic Thiem.
The 33-year-old Rafa went down 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(8) to Thiem, who notched his fourth win over a reigning World No.1 and achieved the feat for the second time in the last four majors.
MELBOURNE, VIC – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve during the quarterfinals of the 2020 Australian Open on January 29 2020, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during his Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his quarter final match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a shot during his quarterfinal match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 29, 2020. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the third set during his Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 10, Rafael Nadal of Spain prepares to serve during his fifth round match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day 10 of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Wednesday, January 29, 2020. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxDODGEx 20200129001445388300
Spain’s Rafael Nadal uses a towel during a break in his men’s singles quarter-final match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2020. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action during his Mens Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Dominic Thiem of Austria and Rafael Nadal of Spain embrace at the net following their Men’s Singles Quarterfinal match on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the crowd as he walks off court after losing his Mens Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the crowd as he walks off court after losing his Mens Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the crowd as he walks off court after losing his Mens Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 29: Rafael Nadal of Spain thanks the crowd as he walks off court after losing his Mens Singles Quarterfinal match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day ten of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 29, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 10, Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after losing his fifth round match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day 10 of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Wednesday, January 29, 2020. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLUKASxCOCHx 20200130001445431951
AUSTRALIAN OPEN DAY 10, Rafael Nadal of Spain speaks during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after losing his fifth round match against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day 10 of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Wednesday, January 29, 2020. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xLUKASxCOCHx 20200130001445431834
Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks at a press conference after losing his men’s singles quarter-final match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2020. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal speaks at a press conference after losing his men’s singles quarter-final match against Austria’s Dominic Thiem on day ten of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2020. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)
After the loss, Rafa said:
I think he’s playing great. He’s playing with a lot of energy, aggressive, determination. So well done for him. I honestly didn’t play a bad match, no, no. My attitude was great, I think, during the whole match. Good, positive, fighting spirit all the time, giving me more chances. That’s what I tried, no?
Don’t give up in no one moment during the whole match. I give myself an opportunity until the last point. Happy for that because my level of concentration and tennis was better, I think even the concentration than the tennis. But the tennis was not bad at all. It was difficult to play against him.
When the ball was new for me, have been better, honestly. Honestly, I had two breaks with new balls. Then I felt more comfortable with the new balls.
The ball became so heavy. He’s younger, he’s very quick. With these heavy balls, it’s difficult to produce sometimes winners. He has a lot of power, so he’s able to produce these amazing shots from a very difficult position. Nothing to say. Of course, I am sad. I lost an opportunity to be in the semifinals of another Grand Slam. But I lost against a great opponent. And he deserve it, too. Well done for him.
Our champ could lose his place at No. 1 in the FedEx ATP Rankings on 3 February should Novak Djokovic go on to capture his eighth Australian Open crown.
I am sure that Rafa will watch himself and decide that he missed played many opportunities. I believe he did durig tbe match itself and did the bet to correct,thus too much tension to play easily. When he played relaxed, third set, it showed.. Theim played beautifully!!! Hope he beats Doper in the final.
Rest Rafa. You will see your openings and use them in future matches!!!
I traveled to the Australian Open just to watch Rafa play just once in my life . He is truly magnificent and stunning. The most exciting and electrifying player on tour. I worried about his limp when he walked after his last 2 matches, Rafa will win next time . Thiem complains to the umpire about Rafa during his last 2 games (Aus and the French) . I was disappointed in that . Miss Rafa already . Have a good rest and come back fully healed and stronger our Champion.
I forgot to comment that Rafa should consider moving closer to the baseline (not on baseline, but rather a foot or so behind it) on second serves. Anyway, I am looking forward to Nadal tying and eventually leading Federer before they both [sadly, but inevitably] retire.
Rafa played a younger, possibly physically stronger, opponent in Thiem and only lost on tie breaks. He fought hard as he always does and competed well throughout. Yes, Rafa does get a little nervous these days, at times, and has admitted this. Unfortunately, even the very best can get nervous, especially as they get older. (I don’t think the younger Rafa would have lost the first two sets when he was up a break in both but we must be realistic.) He is 33 now and he is not a machine. He has also played a lot of big matches in the last couple of months. He played fantastic tennis to lead Spain to the Davis Cup at the end of last year, playing for his country under enormous pressure on home soil, often doubling up to play singles and doubles in quick succession. He then had to lead his country again in the ATP Cup (which should be abandoned, moved or merged with the Davis Cup: Note: he played well in Perth, where it is usually hot and dry in the Summer) and not so well in Sydney, where it was very humid. I think the Kyrgios match probably took quite a lot out of Rafa, mentally. It was a fantastic win against a lower ranked but very talented, big hitter, playing at home without pressure. Finally, the playing conditions in Melbourne are not ideal for Rafa. It is often very humid in Melbourne, especially at night, which slows the ball down, taking the fizz off his topspin. Three of his five matches were played in the evening (as the No.1 Seed that is not surprising) but playing at night does him no favours. He usually plays his best tennis during the day in warm, sunny conditions, which enable him to maximise his topspin to great effect. His tennis was almost faultless against his fellow Spaniard last Saturday afternoon, when the playing conditions were perfect for him. I wish he could play all of his matches in the afternoon!
LIKE AND APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT……..SOUNDS 100% RIGHT……….VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE YOU AND VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Como siempre Rafa un caballero, pero tu para mi seguiras siendo mi n.1 favorito, ganes o pierdas SIEMPRE CONTIGO!!!!, Solo puedo decirte oque te veo fenomenal pars llevar tantos años a ese nivel tan superior, tu tmbn estas hecho un chaval, solo que este abierto siempre se te ha resistido, creo solo creo d haberlo ganado una vez, pero tu estas para dar mucha guerra aún, solo que nunca olvides que al contrincante no le des ni una pizca d oportunidad, TE QUEREMOS VAMOS!!!!
I don’t want Theim to win the tournament. Thinking ahead of time , don’t want him to go to clay season very confident. He is always a threat to Rafa on clay. I hope Theim loses every match from now on till after clay season. Wishful thinking and weir theory but this is how messed up my brain is after last nights match 😐😐😐😐
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I am sure that Rafa will watch himself and decide that he missed played many opportunities. I believe he did durig tbe match itself and did the bet to correct,thus too much tension to play easily. When he played relaxed, third set, it showed.. Theim played beautifully!!! Hope he beats Doper in the final.
Rest Rafa. You will see your openings and use them in future matches!!!
We all still love him win or lose because it’s not his tennis alone that’s admirable but he has so many qualities too numerous to mention
I traveled to the Australian Open just to watch Rafa play just once in my life . He is truly magnificent and stunning. The most exciting and electrifying player on tour. I worried about his limp when he walked after his last 2 matches, Rafa will win next time . Thiem complains to the umpire about Rafa during his last 2 games (Aus and the French) . I was disappointed in that . Miss Rafa already . Have a good rest and come back fully healed and stronger our Champion.
I forgot to comment that Rafa should consider moving closer to the baseline (not on baseline, but rather a foot or so behind it) on second serves. Anyway, I am looking forward to Nadal tying and eventually leading Federer before they both [sadly, but inevitably] retire.
Rafa played a younger, possibly physically stronger, opponent in Thiem and only lost on tie breaks. He fought hard as he always does and competed well throughout. Yes, Rafa does get a little nervous these days, at times, and has admitted this. Unfortunately, even the very best can get nervous, especially as they get older. (I don’t think the younger Rafa would have lost the first two sets when he was up a break in both but we must be realistic.) He is 33 now and he is not a machine. He has also played a lot of big matches in the last couple of months. He played fantastic tennis to lead Spain to the Davis Cup at the end of last year, playing for his country under enormous pressure on home soil, often doubling up to play singles and doubles in quick succession. He then had to lead his country again in the ATP Cup (which should be abandoned, moved or merged with the Davis Cup: Note: he played well in Perth, where it is usually hot and dry in the Summer) and not so well in Sydney, where it was very humid. I think the Kyrgios match probably took quite a lot out of Rafa, mentally. It was a fantastic win against a lower ranked but very talented, big hitter, playing at home without pressure. Finally, the playing conditions in Melbourne are not ideal for Rafa. It is often very humid in Melbourne, especially at night, which slows the ball down, taking the fizz off his topspin. Three of his five matches were played in the evening (as the No.1 Seed that is not surprising) but playing at night does him no favours. He usually plays his best tennis during the day in warm, sunny conditions, which enable him to maximise his topspin to great effect. His tennis was almost faultless against his fellow Spaniard last Saturday afternoon, when the playing conditions were perfect for him. I wish he could play all of his matches in the afternoon!
LIKE AND APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT……..SOUNDS 100% RIGHT……….VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE YOU AND VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Como siempre Rafa un caballero, pero tu para mi seguiras siendo mi n.1 favorito, ganes o pierdas SIEMPRE CONTIGO!!!!, Solo puedo decirte oque te veo fenomenal pars llevar tantos años a ese nivel tan superior, tu tmbn estas hecho un chaval, solo que este abierto siempre se te ha resistido, creo solo creo d haberlo ganado una vez, pero tu estas para dar mucha guerra aún, solo que nunca olvides que al contrincante no le des ni una pizca d oportunidad, TE QUEREMOS VAMOS!!!!
I don’t want Theim to win the tournament. Thinking ahead of time , don’t want him to go to clay season very confident. He is always a threat to Rafa on clay. I hope Theim loses every match from now on till after clay season. Wishful thinking and weir theory but this is how messed up my brain is after last nights match 😐😐😐😐