Nadal's gracious words following shock defeat
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal was left to rue three tie-break losses in his four-set defeat to Dominic Thiem on Wednesday night at the Australian Open.
When asked whether he would do anything different, the tennis star said: “Yes, win any tie-break. But that’s how it works. Sometimes things are not going the way that you would like.
“I had a big chance with 5-3 in the first [set]. I think I had set point serving. It was a very important moment of the match, for sure. Then, I think, I didn’t play a good tie-break. In the second [set], I was back. But he played with the right determination. He was putting one more ball in all the time, in a difficult position for me.
“I think he’s playing great. He’s playing with a lot of energy, aggressive, determination. So well done for him … I think we like each other in terms of character. I like his attitude. Probably he likes mine, too (smiling). I wish him all the very best for the rest of the tournament.”
The 2009 champion converted four of his nine break points and committed 33 unforced errors – 16 less than Thiem, who hit 65 winners and 14 aces in the four hour, 10 minute match.
“I honestly didn’t play a bad match,” said Nadal. “My attitude was great, I think, during the whole match. Good, positive, fighting spirit all the time, giving me more chances.
“I didn’t give up in any moment during the whole match. I gave myself an opportunity until the last point. I’m happy for that because my level of concentration [more] than the tennis was better, I think even the concentration, than the tennis. But the tennis was not bad at all. It was difficult to play against him. I’m happy, but I need a little bit more determination in some moments – true.
“Of course, I am sad. I lost an opportunity to be in the semi-finals of another Grand Slam. But I lost against a great opponent. And he deserved it, too. Well done for him.”
There is a chance that Nadal may lose his No. 1 place in the FedEx ATP Rankings on February 3 if Novak Djokovic goes on to win his eighth Australian Open title.