Updates: Thiem Takes Two-Set Lead Against Nadal

Dominic Thiem is one set away from his maiden Australian Open semi-final, having claimed two tie-break sets to lead Rafael Nadal 7-6(3), 7-6(4) at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday evening.

The winner will face Alexander Zverev for a spot in the championship match. The German defeated Stan Wawrinka 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to reach his maiden Grand Slam semi-final. Nadal (5-1) and Thiem (6-2) both own ATP Head2Head leads against the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals champion.

With both players attempting to take control of the centre of the court in baseline battles, it was Nadal who made the first breakthrough at 4-3. The Spaniard broke to love with a pinpoint backhand lob to serve for the first set. But Thiem was undeterred by his unsuccessful net approach, moving forward on multiple occasions in the following game to save set point and break with a forehand return winner.

In the tie-break, Nadal attempted to dictate rallies with his forehand before moving to the net to finish points. But Thiem had all the answers, rallying from 0/2 down with two forehand passing shots to earn three set points. The Austrian converted his first opportunity, ripping a forehand winner up the line to take the opener after 67 minutes.

In the second set, Nadal hit his targets with two passing shots and benefitted from Thiem double faults to earn his second love service break for a 3-2 lead. Three games later, a similar sequence occurred. On this occasion, it was Thiem who found a way past Nadal at the net and clinched the break for 4-4 after a double fault from his opponent.

Nadal increased his forehand aggression to save set point at 5-6 and took the match to a second tie-break with a cross court backhand winner. But Thiem continued to find success, striking a dipping forehand passing shot and moving up the court to establish a 4/0 advantage. Despite Nadal charging back to 4/4, Thiem claimed three straight points with his forehand to move one set from victory.

Nadal leads Thiem 9-4 in their ATP Head2Head series, which includes victories in the past two Roland Garros finals. Thiem is aiming to defeat the World No. 1 for the fifth consecutive year, following clay-court victories from 2016 to 2019.