Rafael Nadal (zimbio.com)
MADRID: Rafael Nadal has claim a record-equalling 30th Masters 1000 title after overcoming a relentless Dominic Thiem 7-6(8), 6-4, in the final of the Madrid Open.
Exactly two weeks ago the two players clashed in the final at the Barcelona Open. On that occasion Nadal stormed to a straight-sets win with little difficulty. Eyeing a record fifth title in Madrid this time round, the crowd cheered for their home player from the onset in what was a party atmosphere at the Caja Magica. Everything pointed to another dominating Nadal win, but Thiem had other plans.
“I think it was a good fight out there. I was much, much better and much closer than in Barcelona. I think I already had worse weeks in my life than this one.” Said Thiem.
The Austrian carefully devised plan of hitting hit topspin moonballs towards the Nadal forehand, which enabled him to push the Spaniard to his limits. Nadal’s somewhat sluggish start to the match was a sharp contrast to his triumph over Djokovic on Saturday. Contending with some fierce hitting from both the forehand and backhand side of Thiem, the world No.8 broke for a 3-1 lead before the fourth seed battled back. Still, Nadal struggled to exert his dominance throughout the opening set. A trio of Thiem errors elevated the Spaniard to three set points at 5-4, but he failed to capitalize due to his opponents high intensity.
“I think it was a tough match since the beginning, especially here in altitude, which is difficult to make breaks against a player like Thiem. Returning the ball is difficult, especially when he hits it so high.” Nadal admitted.
The roller coaster encounter continued into a tense tiebreaker with opportunities coming and going for both. Twice Thiem had the chance to close the set out, but he was denied by the more experienced Nadal. Eventually, it was with the help of a Thiem forehand drifting long that secured Nadal the first set. The outcome triggered a huge roar of jubilation inside the packed Manolo Santana stadium.
Surviving the scare, there was no time for complacency in the Nadal camp. A break early in set No.2 eased the apprehension as the spirited Austrian continued to fight. Nadal’s ability to make angle shots look easy was matched by Thiem’s heavy-hitting. Still, the early break was enough to guide the 30-year-old to a record 52nd ATP title on the clay. Failing to convert his first three Championships points, the fourth saw him hit a winning volley at the net at the end of a marathon final game.
“I think I played a good first set. Anything could have happened at the end of the first set. But I think I played well the important points. I saved a few set points playing some good shots with my forehand.” Nadal said during his press conference. “After that I went for it.”
The significance of Madrid title No.5 was evident for Nadal when he collapsed onto his knees in the immediate aftermath of his win. He has now won 15 consecutive matches on the clay.
Roland Garros mission awaits
Continuing to distance himself from the favourite label for the upcoming French Open, Nadal will next travel to Italy to participate in the Rome Masters. Despite his success in Madrid, the Spaniard believes the upcoming tournament is critical to his preparation for Roland Garros and his goal of lifting a tenth title.
“If I don’t go to Italy, it doesn’t guarantee that I will be better shape in Roland Garros.” He explained.
“I try to go day by day. Last year, perhaps I made a few mistakes. I made a mistake going to Rome. But I think I wasn’t wrong last year because my wrist was injured.” He added.
Nadal will return back into the world’s top-four for the first time since 2016. The progression has enhanced his seeding for the upcoming major, but Nadal himself isn’t concerned about where he will be seeded in the tournament.
“To try to win Roland Garros, you don’t need to be No. 4 or No.1 or No. 5, what you need is to play tennis very well. This is the situation right now.”
The unconcern for his placement in tournaments extends to the world rankings. After this week, Nadal has overtaken Roger Federer to top the race to London. The rise has created excitement over the prospect of his return to the top of the world rankings. A concept he refuses to think about.
“I just play every single tournament without thinking a lot of things. I just try to focus. I’m not thinking about the race or anything like that.” He said.
The nine-time French Open champion now leads the race by 700 points with a total of 4745.