To lose the third set after serving for it was the difference in the match, I’d say, especially after losing the second set late. The fourth, up a break serving at 4-3 and miss an easy overhead and a forehand both with totally open courts to hit at, and Nadal breaks. Match point, same thing – if you’re struggling with those smashes just let it fall. Just never felt, after set 1, like he could close out the important moments, even though it obviously went down to the wire. Had to be incredibly frustrating if you’re a Thiem fan and holds the match back from being a real classic. Still, some shades of Nadal / Verdasco AO 2009. Just forehand bomb after bomb. The point at 2-2 third set break point for Thiem is one of the best points I’ve ever seen Nadal play. Which is obviously saying something.
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