Rafael Nadal credits Dominic Thiem's determination and dynamic play as key factors in his first Grand Slam win over the world No. 1.
The fifth-seeded Thiem hit 16 more winners—65 to 49—than Nadal in a gripping 7-6(3), 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(8) AO triumph to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal outside of Paris where he's two-time Roland Garros runner-up to Nadal.
More: Thiem Topples Nadal
Nadal, who was bidding to win his 20th Grand Slam title and match Roger Federer's record, credited Thiem with bold aggression at the right times.
"I think he's playing great," Nadal said. "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. "
The 2009 champion said Thiem, whose forehand is one of the biggest on Tour, drove the Dunlop balls with more authority as the balls fluffed up and became heavier.
"When the ball was new for me, have been better, honestly," Nadal said. "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."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve