Thiem Dazzles Despite Loss to Nadal

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Thiem Dazzles Despite Loss to Nadal

Dominic Thiem could not get past eight-time Monte-Carlo champion Rafael Nadal on Thursday, despite earning 17 break points against the Spaniard, but the 22-year-old Austrian put his shotmaking arsenal on display long enough to remind tennis fans of why we expect this young player to continue rising swiftly up the ATP ranks.

Make no mistake, Nadal was facing some serious firepower from Thiem on Thursday. That much is made clear from these two backhands (see above) that show the Austrian walloping backhands at great speed from well behind the baseline. The first one, struck at 152 KMPH on the DEAD RUN is a bona fide jaw-dropper. The second, carved at a wicked angle, also on the sprint, is equally impressive and artistic.

Thiem made one-handed backhand connoisseurs hearts go flutter with these shots, and once again showed the world has vast potential.

But the steely Nadal won the last point, finishing off his gritty 7-5, 6-3 victory to book a spot against another phenom with a one-handed arsenal to die for—Stan Wawrinka—in the quarterfinals.

Hope y’all still have some popcorn left for Friday!

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