2018 US Open Men's Quarterfinals: Nadal vs. Thiem

[rafanoy1992]

Nadal leads the H2H matchup 7-3 (all on Clay) including their last matchup in the 2018 Roland Garros final. This will be their meeting outside of Clay so it will be interesting how this will fare out.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Really pulling for Thiem in this one. Not sure he can pull it off. But I gave him my vote anyways. The advantages Rafa has over him on clay will be minimized. But, as we all know, not that much. Thiem is better on clay as well. So he may not have the goods on hard court. I'm mostly just glad to see him make the quarters after struggling since the French. And of course I'd love the narrative of Thiem beating Rafa after the thwacking he got in Paris. I was rather shocked to see they'd never played off clay. Didn't believe when I saw that yesterday.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

The story of Thiem's R16 match was his impressive winning % off his first serves. I think he barely lost 4 or 5 points in the whole match on first serve. While Rafa was winning continuously, none of his opponents so far was having a decent serve that stings (I am not even talking about Isner, Raonic, Karlovic variety here). That was helping Rafa quite a bit. Also, keep in mind that Thiem can go toe to toe on ground strokes with Rafa.So, contrary to popular opinion, I expect Rafa to struggle in this match quite a bit. But, I also expect Rafa to pull it off in four close sets.

 

[Jelenafan]

Theim served awesome versus Anderson.

He will keep it close but I don’t think he’ll be able to keep that serving up, plus Kevin’s ROS game can be shaky...

 

[Denis]

Nadal in three. I don't see how Thiem's type of game, especially with the single hander, can trouble Nadal at the big stage in a best of 5.

 

[isabelle]

Dominator in 4

 

[Nadalfan2013]

Both very attractive players, too bad one has to lose.

I will miss you Thiem.

 

[monfed]

dull in 4 but I wouldn't be surprised with dull in 3.

 

[golds girl]

Both very attractive players, too bad one has to lose.

I will miss you Thiem.

Oh my...

 

[golds girl]

I'm actually worried about this match.
Thiem seems really clear about his gameplan, at least based on his post Anderson ESPN interview.
Also seems like everyone celebrating birthdays have been pretty successful.
So we'll see, regardless will be entertaining...and humid. They should just play the match shirtless to avoid the laundry.

 

[britbox]

I think Nadal takes this and fairly comfortably. Thiem has been pretty disappointing on hard courts generally.

 

[AnonymousFan]

nadal in three easy sets

 

[Jelenafan]

Respect to Thiem of the younger guys getting that elusive HC quarterfinal.

Nadal in 4

6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

 

[atttomole]

As usual, Rafa will be going for the backhand.

 

[kskate2]

Domi firing bullets out of the gate and breaks Nads

 

[kskate2]

2 breaks. He's wiping the floor w/ Rafa. Let's see how long this hot streak lasts

 

[atttomole]

Backhand not breaking down so far.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Good start by Thiem to go up 3-0. Hope he can keep it up.

 

[atttomole]

2 breaks. He's wiping the floor w/ Rafa. Let's see how long this hot streak lasts

Rafa will get into overdrive and wear Thiem down.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

That's some start by Domi .