Rafael Nadal: Dominic Thiem reveals the key to beating Spaniard after Madrid Open victory
DOMINIC THIEM says he will go into matches against Rafael Nadal with renewed confidence after his victory at last week’s Madrid Open.
Madrid Open: Dominic Thiem defeats Rafael Nadal
Thiem got his third win over Nadal on a clay court with a 7-5 6-3 quarter-final victory.
The Austrian ended Nadal’s 21-match winning streak on the surface and his record of winning 50 consecutive sets.
Thiem was eventually beaten in the Madrid final by Alexander Zverev but his confidence has not been dented and the 24-year-old says having a positive attitude is the key to beating Nadal in future.
“I went in with the attitude that I can beat him,” Thiem said.
Dominic Thiem has beaten Rafael Nadal three times on clay
It was very important I went in with a positive attitude, with an attitude to win
“It was very important I went in with a positive attitude, with an attitude to win.
“Like this I should go in every match against him.”
Thiem and Nadal would meet again at this week’s Italian Open and his hopeful of having a strong tournament in Rome.
Dominic Thiem has renewed confidence on clay
“I played a very good tournament in Madrid,” Thiem said.
“Here in Rome, again, not the best draw, I would say. A little bit unlucky again.
“But I have to see. Last year, I did really well. The change from Madrid to here, it's very different.
“I hope I can do it again here.”