French Open 2019: Know all the quarter-finalists of Men's singles

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-eases-into-12th-french-open-quarter-final-223671">Roger Federer</a> said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday.

However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin.

It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible.

"It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room.

"I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want."

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video of Dominic his press <a href="https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY">https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY</a>
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Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar".

"I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors.

"There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre.&nbsp;

"I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation."

There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night.

However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference.

"Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said.

With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room.

"That's really impolite," she was heard to say.

Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin.

There was a backlash on social media over the incident.

"Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth.

"Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams.

Roger Federer said Dominic Thiem was right to be angry at being kicked out of his own press conference so that Roland Garros organisers could accommodate a defeated Serena Williams. Austria's Thiem, the fourth seed in the men's event and the 2018 runner-up, was conducting his post-match press obligations after reaching the last 16 on Saturday. However, he was then informed that the main interview room was needed by American superstar Williams who had just suffered a third round loss to Sofia Kenin. It was the 23-time Grand Slam title winner's earliest exit at a Slam in almost five years and she was eager to be away from the tournament site as quickly as possible. "It's a joke," fumed 25-year-old Thiem to media officers after being told he should finish his interviews in a smaller room. "I have to leave the room because she's coming. What the hell, I don't care. I can also do whatever I want." Watch the video: video of Dominic his press https://t.co/frzKL4iVbY — t (@slaycoric) June 1, 2019 × Federer leapt to the defence of Thiem, describing him as "a superstar, a male superstar". "I think the one who is still in the tournament gets priority, that's how I see it," said Federer after easing past Leonardo Mayer to reach his 54th quarter-final at the majors. "There must have been a misunderstanding or maybe they should have kept Serena still in the locker room, not waiting here in the press centre. "I don't know exactly what happened. I understand Dominic's frustration. I don't think he's mad at Serena or anybody. I just think it was an unfortunate situation." There was no indication as to who had decided to shift Thiem mid-flow on Saturday night. However, French sports daily L'Equipe claimed that Williams had no preference over where she carried out her press conference. "Put me in another room, a smaller one, but now," she was reported to have said. With Williams reportedly becoming increasingly impatient, officials looked to rescue the situation by moving Thiem to another room. "That's really impolite," she was heard to say. Thiem had defeated Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Williams was stunned 6-2, 7-5 by Kenin. There was a backlash on social media over the incident. "Wait your turn for the press room like everyone else," tweeted former Australian player Sam Groth. "Thiem, still in the draw having won, would have agreed to a press time and has a round of 16 match to prepare for, Serena just has her jet on the tarmac!"

Roger Federer says Thiem right to fume over Serena Williams press conference row

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-no-sweat-for-rafael-nadal-and-roger-federer-as-they-advance-into-third-round-bertens-pulls-out-222652"> French Open</a> third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday.

Fourth seed Thiem, who reached the final at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-rafael-nadal-enters-third-round-after-defeating-yannick-maden-222544">Roland Garros</a> last year, had to use his full range of shots to overcome 91st ranked Bublik, who put up a fight against the 'prince of clay'.

The fancied Thiem, who is looking for his first Grand Slam success, broke Bublik in the second game of the first set and, while the Kazakh produced a cheeky underarm serve that helped him hold for 4-2, he did not threaten the Austrian's serve.

However, the 25-year-old Thiem was broken in the fourth game of the second set and, despite battling back with a break of his own at 5-3 down, the Austrian was outfoxed in the tiebreak.

Thiem was clearly in a contest against the tricky Bublik, who was making his Roland Garros debut at 21, and had to dig deep before breaking in the eighth game and taking the third.

Bublik never gave up in the first meeting between the pair and broke in the second game of the fourth before squandering two set points at 5-2.

Thiem sensed his chance and took the next five games to wrap up victory with an exquisite drop shot.

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the French Open third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday.

Austrian Dominic Thiem overcame a tough test to reach the French Open third round with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3, 7-5 win over defiant Kazakh Alexander Bublik on Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday. Fourth seed Thiem, who reached the final at Roland Garros last year, had to use his full range of shots to overcome 91st ranked Bublik, who put up a fight against the 'prince of clay'. The fancied Thiem, who is looking for his first Grand Slam success, broke Bublik in the second game of the first set and, while the Kazakh produced a cheeky underarm serve that helped him hold for 4-2, he did not threaten the Austrian's serve. However, the 25-year-old Thiem was broken in the fourth game of the second set and, despite battling back with a break of his own at 5-3 down, the Austrian was outfoxed in the tiebreak. Thiem was clearly in a contest against the tricky Bublik, who was making his Roland Garros debut at 21, and had to dig deep before breaking in the eighth game and taking the third. Bublik never gave up in the first meeting between the pair and broke in the second game of the fourth before squandering two set points at 5-2. Thiem sensed his chance and took the next five games to wrap up victory with an exquisite drop shot.

French Open: Dominic Thiem battles through to third round defeating Alexander Bublik

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-serena-williams-withdraws-while-alexander-zverev-crashes-out-in-italian-open-218888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFh4ecoaDiAhXVjOYKHQWrBKgQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw262nKqHdHwq4495Ay-jl2Q">Italian Open</a> for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill.

With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-calls-novak-djokovic-cringeworthy-and-rafael-nadal-salty-in-unfiltered-podcast-219103&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjp6bDBoaDiAhUx6nMBHUiVAa8QFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nqPQHAlMDxq9Q1yGmRchB">Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic</a> all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals.

The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric.

Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener.

Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32.

A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward.

The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand.

Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest.&nbsp;

"I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer.

"I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added.&nbsp;

After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy.&nbsp;

Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots.&nbsp;

Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly.

The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner.&nbsp;

In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.&nbsp;

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday.

Former world number one Roger Federer marked his return to the Italian Open for the first time since 2016 with a 6-4, 6-3 second round win over Joao Sousa on Thursday. The Swiss had criticised organisers for doubling ticket prices after he confirmed his participation last weekend but the fans who had made their way into Foro Italico on Thursday have been rewarded with a Federer double bill. With rain having washed out Wednesday's play, Federer along with champion Rafael Nadal and top seed Novak Djokovic all face playing back-to-back matches on Thursday if they want to reach the quarter-finals. The backlog means that fans on the secondary Grandstand Court can also look forward to a blockbuster schedule as Federer will be back for an evening showdown with Croatian Borna Coric. Earlier in the day, Nadal had treated the Grandstand fans to a 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Frenchman Jeremy Chardy and the Spaniard will be back on action on the main stage against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili. Women's world number one Naomi Osaka produced a solid performance to beat Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova 6-3, 6-3 in the day's opener. Djokovic, fresh from winning last week's Madrid Open, was playing Canadian Denis Shapovalov in the round of 32. A clash with either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Marco Cecchinato will be the winner's reward. The 37-year old Federer moved around the court like his younger self as he rifled in 17 winners in the opening set, having broken Sousa in the seventh game before he saved a triple break point, the last one with a stunning crosscourt forehand. Having broken Sousa's serve in the opening game of the second set, the Swiss maestro was at his best again in the seventh as he saved a double break point and went on to wrap up the entertaining contest. "I came out of the blocks well and held serve throughout, so I am very happy to be in the next round," said Federer. "I played today already and Borna didn't. I don't know whether it's a disadvantage or not but either way it's going to be tough", Federer added. After crashing out in the semi-finals on home soil in Madrid, Nadal wasted no time in making a statement of intent as he blew away Chardy. Nadal won 80 per cent of the points on both his first and second serve as he tormented the Frenchman with a barrage of stinging baseline shots. Osaka made a slow start against Cibulkova as the Slovakian broke the world number one in the third game of the opening set but regained her composure quickly. The Japanese served two aces to save a double break point in the eighth game and enjoyed plain sailing for the rest of the tie after clinching the game with a service winner. In the men`s draw, Fernando Verdasco ground out a surprise 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 win over fifth seed Dominic Thiem, as did Jan-Lennard Struff with a 6-2, 6-3 hammering of Marin Cilic.

Italian Open: Federer, Nadal and Naomi Osaka sail through to last 16

Dominic Thiem edged a thrilling clash with Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals on Friday (May 10).

The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning.

Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving.

He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday.

The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tie-break finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire.

Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tie-break, saving two match points to force a decider.

Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third. Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match.

His next opponent, seeded one, will be well rested after Cilic's unfortunate exit.

"I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support," the Croatian said on Twitter.

In Friday's other quarter-finals, Stefanos Tsitsipas faces Alexander Zverev and second seeded Rafa Nadal plays Stan Wawrinka.

Dominic Thiem edged a thrilling clash with Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals on Friday (May 10).

Dominic Thiem edged a thrilling clash with Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 to end the Swiss veteran's clay season comeback and reach the Madrid Open semi-finals on Friday (May 10). The fifth-seeded Austrian, who saved two match points, will face Novak Djokovic on Saturday after the world number one's opponent Marin Cilic withdrew with food poisoning. Federer, playing his first clay tournament for three years, raced into a 4-1 lead inside 15 minutes as he broke the 220 kilometres-per-hour barrier with some powerful serving. He showed the same drive that saw him bagel Gael Monfils in the first set on Thursday. The Frenchman had then battled back to force a thrilling tie-break finale in the third set, and Thiem upped his game significantly too, taking the second set to the wire. Federer survived three game points to hold serve for 3-3 before Thiem eventually triumphed 13-11 in a gripping tie-break, saving two match points to force a decider. Thiem broke to go 2-1 in the third. Federer broke back to pull level at 4-4 but the Austrian broke again in the next game, sealing it with a sensational forehand over his opponent before serving out the match. His next opponent, seeded one, will be well rested after Cilic's unfortunate exit. "I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support," the Croatian said on Twitter. In Friday's other quarter-finals, Stefanos Tsitsipas faces Alexander Zverev and second seeded Rafa Nadal plays Stan Wawrinka.

Dominic Thiem ousts Roger Federer in Madrid Open thriller to reach semis

World number five <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dominic+Thiem">Dominic Thiem</a> captured his second title of the year after thrashing Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0 in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday.&nbsp;

The Austrian had been beaten by Rafael Nadal in his previous appearance in the Barcelona final&nbsp;in 2017 but after knocking out the 11-times French Open champion in the semi-finals, Thiem easily dispatched the 23-year-old Medvedev.&nbsp;

Thiem made a slow start as he trailed 3-0 but he then got into a groove as he produced a number of scorching winners, including a sublime drop shot, to win four successive games and go 4-3 up.&nbsp;

Medvedev struggled to respond and called on the physio to get some treatment on his shoulder but that intervention failed to get him going and Thiem easily served out for the set.&nbsp;

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🇦🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> wins 12 of the last 13 games to charge to the <a href="https://twitter.com/bcnopenbs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcnopenbs</a> 🏆.
— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATP_Tour/status/1122543497934987264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Thiem faced little resistance in the second, using his drop shots to devastating effect to wipe out seventh seed Medvedev.&nbsp;

The Austrian third seed, who triumphed at Indian Wells last month, sealed victory with a simple volley.&nbsp;

"It's such an honour to win this tournament, looking at all the names who have won it I'm very happy and proud that my name is also there now," Thiem, who prevented Nadal from his bid to win a record-extending 12th title in Barcelona, told reporters.&nbsp;

"I had some trouble in the beginning and going 0-3 down. I had some troubles at the beginning with the slice then it got better and that's the only thing you can do against him and I'm happy that I made it work."&nbsp;

World number five Dominic Thiem captured his second title of the year after thrashing Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0 in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday. The Austrian had been beaten by Rafael Nadal in his previous appearance in the Barcelona final in 2017 but after knocking out the 11-times French Open champion in the semi-finals, Thiem easily dispatched the 23-year-old Medvedev.

World number five Dominic Thiem captured his second title of the year after thrashing Russian Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0 in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday. The Austrian had been beaten by Rafael Nadal in his previous appearance in the Barcelona final in 2017 but after knocking out the 11-times French Open champion in the semi-finals, Thiem easily dispatched the 23-year-old Medvedev. Thiem made a slow start as he trailed 3-0 but he then got into a groove as he produced a number of scorching winners, including a sublime drop shot, to win four successive games and go 4-3 up. Medvedev struggled to respond and called on the physio to get some treatment on his shoulder but that intervention failed to get him going and Thiem easily served out for the set. 🇦🇹 @ThiemDomi wins 12 of the last 13 games to charge to the @bcnopenbs 🏆. — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) April 28, 2019 × Thiem faced little resistance in the second, using his drop shots to devastating effect to wipe out seventh seed Medvedev. The Austrian third seed, who triumphed at Indian Wells last month, sealed victory with a simple volley. "It's such an honour to win this tournament, looking at all the names who have won it I'm very happy and proud that my name is also there now," Thiem, who prevented Nadal from his bid to win a record-extending 12th title in Barcelona, told reporters. "I had some trouble in the beginning and going 0-3 down. I had some troubles at the beginning with the slice then it got better and that's the only thing you can do against him and I'm happy that I made it work."

Dominic Thiem defeat Medvedev to win Barcelona Open

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-reaches-barcelona-semis-with-hard-earned-win-over-jan-lennard-struff-213805">Rafael Nadal</a> out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.&nbsp;

The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match.&nbsp;

Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US&nbsp;Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open.&nbsp;

The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set.&nbsp;

He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points.&nbsp;

Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire.&nbsp;

He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title.

Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game.

Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider.

Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable.

But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand.

Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final.

Dominic Thiem knocked favourite and 11-times champion Rafael Nadal out of the Barcelona Open with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory in Saturday's semi-final, avenging his defeat by the Spaniard in last year's French Open final. The Austrian will meet 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final after the Russian also pulled off a surprise by edging out fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a tight match. Thiem had lost his last two matches against world number two Nadal, at Roland Garros as well as a thrilling five-setter in the US Open quarter-finals, but he won their last meeting on Spanish soil, beating the Mallorcan in last year's Madrid Open. The Austrian, ranked fifth in the world, broke Nadal to take a 3-2 lead in the opener and held in the next game thanks to a stunning crosscourt forehand winner before seeing out the set. He broke Nadal again in the fifth game to lead 3-2 and edged towards victory by taking a 30-15 lead before Nadal pulled himself back into contention by winning the next three points. Thiem was serving for the match but Nadal dug deep to earn three break points only to lose each one, Thiem levelling the game with an ace after a marginal call from the umpire. He sealed his fourth career victory over Nadal in 12 matches with a softly-struck backhand which the Spaniard had no chance of reaching, ending Nadal's chances of a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open title. Twice Barcelona champion Nishikori beat Medvedev in the final of the Brisbane International in January but the Russian took an early advantage by breaking the world number seven in the seventh game. Medvedev comfortably saw out the set but was pegged back by the Japanese, who won five games in a row to take the second set and make an ideal start to the decider. Medvedev, ranked 14th, soon broke back to level the match and as both players consistently held their serve a tiebreak looked inevitable. But Medvedev earned the first match point with a down-the-line winner and needed only one opportunity, clinching an entertaining match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes when Nishikori found the net with a forehand. Sunday's final will be Medvedev's third of 2019 but his first final on clay.

Dominic Thiem stuns Rafael Nadal to reach Barcelona final

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career.

The 25-year-old Austrian, ranked eighth in the world, trailed 4-3 and 5-4 in the third set before breaking Federer with a forehand winner to go up 6-5.

Thiem earned the crucial break in the 11th game of the final set. He sealed the match after two hours and two minutes when Federer's backhand found the net and will now return to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world.

It was the second year in a row that Federer was denied in the Indian Wells final. In 2018 he missed out on three championship points as he fell to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the title match.

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Thiem/<a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> /(🎥<a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a> ) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gt7WQ6ukOf">pic.twitter.com/Gt7WQ6ukOf</a>
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Federer, fresh off a remarkable 100th career title in Dubai, remains tied with Novak Djokovic for the most Indian Wells victories with five.

By virtue of this win, Thiem became first Austrian to win a Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in Miami in 1997.

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career.

Dominic Thiem defeated Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 to win the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, denying Federer a record sixth title in the desert while claiming the biggest title of his career. The 25-year-old Austrian, ranked eighth in the world, trailed 4-3 and 5-4 in the third set before breaking Federer with a forehand winner to go up 6-5. Thiem earned the crucial break in the 11th game of the final set. He sealed the match after two hours and two minutes when Federer's backhand found the net and will now return to a career-high ranking of fourth in the world. It was the second year in a row that Federer was denied in the Indian Wells final. In 2018 he missed out on three championship points as he fell to Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in the title match. Thiem/@ThiemDomi /(🎥@TennisTV ) #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/Gt7WQ6ukOf — doublefault28 (@doublefault28) March 18, 2019 × Federer, fresh off a remarkable 100th career title in Dubai, remains tied with Novak Djokovic for the most Indian Wells victories with five. By virtue of this win, Thiem became first Austrian to win a Masters 1000 title since Thomas Muster in Miami in 1997.

Indian Wells: Dominic Thiem beats Roger Federer to win maiden Masters title

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash.&nbsp;

Austrian tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-dominic-thiem-beats-roger-federer-to-win-maiden-masters-title-203955">Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title</a> after coming from a set down to defeat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in BNP Paribas Open on Sunday.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old Thiem fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when Federer netted on match point.&nbsp;

"I mean for me it's unreal," said Thiem after winning the match.&nbsp;

"I was in the whole match in the zone. I mean, I enjoyed every second of it and I think I had to get used to Roger (Federer) game because in the first set he was playing amazing and completely different than my opponents before in this tournament," Thiem said.&nbsp;

"I was struggling a little bit but then I was fighting my way into the match."

"I got also a little bit lucky when I saved his break point early in the second set and then I think it was a very good match until the end and the last games were amazing and of course I was a little bit on nerve to serve it out," he added.&nbsp;

Watch Thiem's reaction after winning the match:

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That feeling of winning your first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPMasters1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPMasters1000</a> title! 🏆 
 
Congrats on winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO19</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a>! 👏 
 
Watch live streams on <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a>. <a href="https://t.co/WJpWwCFZfX">pic.twitter.com/WJpWwCFZfX</a>
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Thiem had lost in his previous two ATP Masters 1000 finals.

But the 25-year-old Austrian's solid serve held up against Federer as it had throughout the tournament.&nbsp;

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash.

Dominic Thiem denied Roger Federer a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory as he defeated the former world number one in the summit clash. Austrian tennis player Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title after coming from a set down to defeat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in BNP Paribas Open on Sunday. The 25-year-old Thiem fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when Federer netted on match point. "I mean for me it's unreal," said Thiem after winning the match. "I was in the whole match in the zone. I mean, I enjoyed every second of it and I think I had to get used to Roger (Federer) game because in the first set he was playing amazing and completely different than my opponents before in this tournament," Thiem said. "I was struggling a little bit but then I was fighting my way into the match." "I got also a little bit lucky when I saved his break point early in the second set and then I think it was a very good match until the end and the last games were amazing and of course I was a little bit on nerve to serve it out," he added. Watch Thiem's reaction after winning the match: That feeling of winning your first #ATPMasters1000 title! 🏆 Congrats on winning the #BNPPO19, @ThiemDomi! 👏 Watch live streams on @TennisTV. pic.twitter.com/WJpWwCFZfX — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) March 18, 2019 × Thiem had lost in his previous two ATP Masters 1000 finals. But the 25-year-old Austrian's solid serve held up against Federer as it had throughout the tournament.

'It is unreal,' says Dominic Thiem on beating Roger Federer in Indian Wells final

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, withstood 17 aces from the rangy Canadian, gaining the only break of the contest in the third set.

He'll fight for a maiden Masters 1000 title against Swiss great Federer. Federer, seeking a record sixth Indian Wells crown, reached the final when semi-final opponent Rafael

Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury.

Thiem, 25, has split four prior meetings with the 20-time Grand Slam champion 2-2.

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters.

Austria's Dominic Thiem defeated Milos Raonic 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 on Saturday to book a title clash with five-time champion Roger Federer at the ATP Indian Wells Masters. Thiem, ranked eighth in the world, withstood 17 aces from the rangy Canadian, gaining the only break of the contest in the third set. He'll fight for a maiden Masters 1000 title against Swiss great Federer. Federer, seeking a record sixth Indian Wells crown, reached the final when semi-final opponent Rafael Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a right knee injury. Thiem, 25, has split four prior meetings with the 20-time Grand Slam champion 2-2.

Dominic Thiem books Indian Wells final against Roger Federer

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday.&nbsp;

Serbian teenager Kecmanovic failed to convert any of his three break-point opportunities against a ruthless Raonic, who unleashed a torrent of punishing groundstrokes on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells.&nbsp;

The 13th seed's serving accuracy was not as precise as it has been, with just over half of his first deliveries finding the target, but when he was able to get one in play the Canadian won 88 per cent of those points.&nbsp;

"In a few key moments my serve really helped me out," said Raonic, who reached the semis for the second year in a row.&nbsp;

"I just tried to play consistent, be aggressive when I had the first chance."&nbsp;

The Canadian will face Thiem for a place in the final after the seventh seed's quarter-final opponent Monfils said he was unable to play due to an injured Achilles.&nbsp;

"I tried to warm up and my left Achilles was very painful for the last couple of days," the Frenchman told the crowd.&nbsp;

"Tonight I tried to hit a little bit and I can't compete 100 per cent.&nbsp;

"I am so sorry to put myself in this situation and I would like to thank you for everything you've given me this week and again I'm sorry for tonight."&nbsp;

The injury is a setback in an otherwise impressive season for Monfils, who has notched 15 wins, the most of any player on the ATP Tour.&nbsp;

Raonic has defeated Thiem in their two previous meetings, both of which came on hard courts in 2016.&nbsp;

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday.

Canadian Milos Raonic fired down 13 aces to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 and set up a BNP Paribas Open semi-final against Dominic Thiem after the Austrian's opponent, Gael Monfils, withdrew injured before their match on Thursday. Serbian teenager Kecmanovic failed to convert any of his three break-point opportunities against a ruthless Raonic, who unleashed a torrent of punishing groundstrokes on a sunny and breezy day in Indian Wells. The 13th seed's serving accuracy was not as precise as it has been, with just over half of his first deliveries finding the target, but when he was able to get one in play the Canadian won 88 per cent of those points. "In a few key moments my serve really helped me out," said Raonic, who reached the semis for the second year in a row. "I just tried to play consistent, be aggressive when I had the first chance." The Canadian will face Thiem for a place in the final after the seventh seed's quarter-final opponent Monfils said he was unable to play due to an injured Achilles. "I tried to warm up and my left Achilles was very painful for the last couple of days," the Frenchman told the crowd. "Tonight I tried to hit a little bit and I can't compete 100 per cent. "I am so sorry to put myself in this situation and I would like to thank you for everything you've given me this week and again I'm sorry for tonight." The injury is a setback in an otherwise impressive season for Monfils, who has notched 15 wins, the most of any player on the ATP Tour. Raonic has defeated Thiem in their two previous meetings, both of which came on hard courts in 2016.

Milos Raonic downs Miomir Kecmanovic, Dominic Thiem gets walk over at Indian Wells

Top seed Dominic Thiem was knocked out of the Rio Open in the first round on Tuesday, going down 6-3, 6-3 to Laslo Derje, a result that gave the unheralded Serbian his first victory over a top 10 player in his career.

The world-ranked No. 90 broke Thiem’s serve five times in what was a surprisingly lacklustre display from a man who has won eight ATP titles on clay.

Thiem served five double faults in a tournament he won in 2017.

"He played a bit worse than normally I think, to be honest," Derje said. "But I had a great day. I felt the ball really well, hitting well from the baseline and then attacking well when it was time for that."

"The biggest win in my career so I'm really happy right now."

In another upset, third seed Marco Cecchinato was beaten 7-5, 7-6(1) by Slovenian Aljaz Bedene.

Cecchinato was on a high after winning the Argentina Open on Sunday but he never hit the same heights against the unseeded Bedene.

Top seed Dominic Thiem was knocked out of the Rio Open in the first round on Tuesday, going down 6-3, 6-3 to Laslo Derje, a result that gave the unheralded Serbian his first victory over a top 10 player in his career.

Top seed Dominic Thiem was knocked out of the Rio Open in the first round on Tuesday, going down 6-3, 6-3 to Laslo Derje, a result that gave the unheralded Serbian his first victory over a top 10 player in his career. The world-ranked No. 90 broke Thiem’s serve five times in what was a surprisingly lacklustre display from a man who has won eight ATP titles on clay. Thiem served five double faults in a tournament he won in 2017. "He played a bit worse than normally I think, to be honest," Derje said. "But I had a great day. I felt the ball really well, hitting well from the baseline and then attacking well when it was time for that." "The biggest win in my career so I'm really happy right now." In another upset, third seed Marco Cecchinato was beaten 7-5, 7-6(1) by Slovenian Aljaz Bedene. Cecchinato was on a high after winning the Argentina Open on Sunday but he never hit the same heights against the unseeded Bedene.

Top seed Dominic Thiem knocked out of Rio Open in first round

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set.

The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group.

Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey.

Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session.

The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames.

Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem.

"He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here."

Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points.

He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in.

Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery.

Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker.

The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve.

World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley.

Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit.

The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday. Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set. The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group. Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey. Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session. The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames. Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem. "He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here." Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points. He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in. Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery. Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker. The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve. World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley. Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit. The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Anderson off to flyer at ATP Finals with win over Thiem

Spain's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=rafael+nadal">Rafael Nadal</a> maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points.

Serbia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=Novak+Djokovic">Novak Djokovic</a>, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday.

He is 215 points away from Nadal's position and warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking.

"He warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking after winning the title," said Djokovic.

Djokovic overtook Switzerland's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?title=roger+federer">Roger Federer</a> in the standings, pushing him down to third.

The rest of the top-10 remained unchanged, as Alexander Zverev of Germany stayed at No. 5, followed by Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Meanwhile, Australia's Matthew Ebden jumped 11 positions up to the 40th, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian tournament.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/borna_coric?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@borna_coric</a> is mover of the week after a run to the <a href="https://twitter.com/SH_RolexMasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SH_RolexMasters</a> final. 
 
View Latest ATP Race To London: <a href="https://t.co/m5MT6dDjoU">https://t.co/m5MT6dDjoU</a> <a href="https://t.co/N6seZcqllT">pic.twitter.com/N6seZcqllT</a>
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The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows:

1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 points

2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445

3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260

4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,860

5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025

6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185

7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825

8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,775

9. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,440

10. John Isner (United States) 3,290.

Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points. Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained the top spot of men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 7,660 points. Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and US Open, climbed one spot up to the second after winning the Shanghai Masters title for the fourth time in a row on Sunday. He is 215 points away from Nadal's position and warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking. "He warned that he is gunning for Rafael Nadal's world number one ranking after winning the title," said Djokovic. Djokovic overtook Switzerland's Roger Federer in the standings, pushing him down to third. The rest of the top-10 remained unchanged, as Alexander Zverev of Germany stayed at No. 5, followed by Marin Cilic of Croatia. Meanwhile, Australia's Matthew Ebden jumped 11 positions up to the 40th, after reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian tournament. .@borna_coric is mover of the week after a run to the @SH_RolexMasters final. View Latest ATP Race To London: https://t.co/m5MT6dDjoU pic.twitter.com/N6seZcqllT — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) October 15, 2018 × The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,660 points 2. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7,445 3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,260 4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,860 5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,025 6. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,185 7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,825 8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,775 9. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 3,440 10. John Isner (United States) 3,290.

Rafael Nadal holds top spot in ATP rankings, Djokovic in 2nd

Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal on Sunday defeated Australian seventh seed Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-3 6-2 to clinch the 11th French Open title at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard edged an intense opening set, tightening his grip in the second.

And he increased the tempo further, consigning Thiem to defeat in his first major final when the Austrian sent a return long.

Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973.

Nadal dropped his racquet at the baseline in celebration before turning to his box and raising both hands skywards.

The Spaniard had been the hot favourite to win the second Slam of the year, after warming up with three clay-court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.

Thiem, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final, had very few answers to Nadal's brilliance.

Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions

Spanish Tennis star Rafael Nadal on Sunday defeated Australian seventh seed Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-3 6-2 to clinch the 11th French Open title at Roland Garros. The Spaniard edged an intense opening set, tightening his grip in the second. And he increased the tempo further, consigning Thiem to defeat in his first major final when the Austrian sent a return long. Nadal is the only second player in history to win the same Grand Slam on 11 occasions after Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Open titles between 1960 and 1973. Nadal dropped his racquet at the baseline in celebration before turning to his box and raising both hands skywards. The Spaniard had been the hot favourite to win the second Slam of the year, after warming up with three clay-court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome. Thiem, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final, had very few answers to Nadal's brilliance.

Rafael Nadal routs Dominic Thiem to clinch 11th French Open title

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

Australian Tennis player Dominic Thiem reached his first Grand Slam final with a 7-5, 7-6 (12/10), 6-1 victory, ending Marco Cecchinato's French Open fairytale on Friday.

The Seventh seed Thiem is the first Austrian to make a final at the majors since Thomas Muster was champion in Paris in 1995.

Thiem will face 10-time champion and world number one Rafael Nadal&nbsp;in Sunday's final.

The 24-year-old has a losing record against both Nadal (3-6) and Del Potro (0-4) but he is the only man to have defeated the Spaniard on clay in the last two years.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, world 72 Cecchinato had knocked out three seeded players to reach the semi-finals, including 12-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Cecchinato had never won a Grand Slam match before this year's Roland Garros but made the semis with a string of stunning wins.

The Seventh seed Thiem is the first Austrian to make a final at the majors

Australian Tennis player Dominic Thiem reached his first Grand Slam final with a 7-5, 7-6 (12/10), 6-1 victory, ending Marco Cecchinato's French Open fairytale on Friday. The Seventh seed Thiem is the first Austrian to make a final at the majors since Thomas Muster was champion in Paris in 1995. Thiem will face 10-time champion and world number one Rafael Nadal in Sunday's final. The 24-year-old has a losing record against both Nadal (3-6) and Del Potro (0-4) but he is the only man to have defeated the Spaniard on clay in the last two years. Meanwhile, world 72 Cecchinato had knocked out three seeded players to reach the semi-finals, including 12-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. Cecchinato had never won a Grand Slam match before this year's Roland Garros but made the semis with a string of stunning wins.

Dominic Thiem beats Cecchinato to book place in French Open finals

World number eight, Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to enter his third successive French Open semi-final on Tuesday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Thiem, the Austrian seventh seed forced Zverev to make four double faults and outplayed him in three sets after winning 6 breakpoints.&nbsp;

Zverev needed his left thigh strapped in the second set and looked disconsolate. Thiem widened his advantage with a clinical display of hitting as Austrian star was barely running for wide balls.

Dominic Thiem will either face 2016 champion and 12-time major winner Novak Djokovic or Italy's world number 72 Marco Cecchinato for a place in Sunday's final.

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Third straight Roland-Garros semi-final!<a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a> roars past Zverev 6-4 6-2 6-1.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/HQoR1npf2m">pic.twitter.com/HQoR1npf2m</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1004001558101516288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to enter his third successive French Open semi-final

World number eight, Dominic Thiem defeated Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to enter his third successive French Open semi-final on Tuesday at Philippe-Chatrier. Thiem, the Austrian seventh seed forced Zverev to make four double faults and outplayed him in three sets after winning 6 breakpoints. Zverev needed his left thigh strapped in the second set and looked disconsolate. Thiem widened his advantage with a clinical display of hitting as Austrian star was barely running for wide balls. Dominic Thiem will either face 2016 champion and 12-time major winner Novak Djokovic or Italy's world number 72 Marco Cecchinato for a place in Sunday's final. Third straight Roland-Garros semi-final!@ThiemDomi roars past Zverev 6-4 6-2 6-1.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/HQoR1npf2m — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2018 ×

French Open: Dominic Thiem eases past Alexander Zverev to enter semi-final

German second seed Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic have entered the quarter-finals after defeating Karen Khachanov and Fernando Verdasco respectively in the round of 16 on Sunday.&nbsp;

Although, the 21-year-old Zverev survived in a five-set match and claimed his third successive comeback win to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final, beating Russian Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.

"Well, I'm young, so I might as well stay on court, get some practice and entertain you guys," said Zverev after winning the match.

On the other hand, Djokovic registered an easy win against Spanish veteran Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and will play in the last eight at Roland Garros for a record 12th time.

Zverev will meet Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic will face Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-final of this year's French Open.

Zverev will meet Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic will face Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-final of this year's French Open

German second seed Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic have entered the quarter-finals after defeating Karen Khachanov and Fernando Verdasco respectively in the round of 16 on Sunday. Although, the 21-year-old Zverev survived in a five-set match and claimed his third successive comeback win to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final, beating Russian Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. "Well, I'm young, so I might as well stay on court, get some practice and entertain you guys," said Zverev after winning the match. On the other hand, Djokovic registered an easy win against Spanish veteran Verdasco 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and will play in the last eight at Roland Garros for a record 12th time. Zverev will meet Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals and Novak Djokovic will face Marco Cecchinato in the quarter-final of this year's French Open.

French Open: Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic advance to quarter-finals of men's singles

Dominic Thiem bt Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4

Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem reached his third successive French Open quarter-final on Sunday with a 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 win over Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Thiem, the only man to defeat 10-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal on clay this year, will face German second seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the semi-finals.

Sunday's win for 24-year-old Thiem was his first over Japanese 19th seed Nishikori who had won their previous matches on grass at Halle in 2015 and on clay in Rome in 2016.

Marco Cecchinato bt David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3

Italian world number 72 Marco Cecchinato hailed "the best moment" of his life after beating David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, just two years since being embroiled in a match-fixing scandal.

Cecchinato, who was suspended for 18 months by the Italian tennis federation in July 2016 for fixing before later being cleared of any wrongdoing, will next face 12-time Grand Slam champion and his former practice partner Novak Djokovic.

The 25-year-old had never won a Grand Slam match before this tournament but showed some good form when winning an ATP clay-court title in Budapest as a lucky loser earlier this year.

Dominic Thiem and Marco Cecchinato will meet Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals of French Open

Dominic Thiem bt Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 Austrian seventh seed Dominic Thiem reached his third successive French Open quarter-final on Sunday with a 6-2, 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 win over Japan's Kei Nishikori. Thiem, the only man to defeat 10-time Roland Garros champion Rafael Nadal on clay this year, will face German second seed Alexander Zverev for a place in the semi-finals. Sunday's win for 24-year-old Thiem was his first over Japanese 19th seed Nishikori who had won their previous matches on grass at Halle in 2015 and on clay in Rome in 2016. Marco Cecchinato bt David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 Italian world number 72 Marco Cecchinato hailed "the best moment" of his life after beating David Goffin 7-5, 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Sunday, just two years since being embroiled in a match-fixing scandal. Cecchinato, who was suspended for 18 months by the Italian tennis federation in July 2016 for fixing before later being cleared of any wrongdoing, will next face 12-time Grand Slam champion and his former practice partner Novak Djokovic. The 25-year-old had never won a Grand Slam match before this tournament but showed some good form when winning an ATP clay-court title in Budapest as a lucky loser earlier this year.

Dominic Thiem and Marco Cecchinato enter the quarter-finals of French Open

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at the ATP and WTA&nbspItalian&nbspOpen&nbspTuesday as top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka.

Sixth seed Thiem -- who inflicted the first clay-court defeat in almost a year on Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid -- smashed his racket in fury on his way to losing to Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in just over two hours.

Fognini, ranked 21, kept his nerve while Thiem took out his frustration on his racket after handing his rival three match points, the&nbspItalian&nbspthen sealing his first win in three meetings with the Austrian.

Fognini, 30, next plays Germany's Peter Gojowczyk before a possible quarter-final showdown with top seed Nadal.

"It was an intense fight. He was pumped today and playing at home and coming off a good win over (Gael) Monfils," said Thiem.&nbsp

"If you compare it to Madrid there were a lot of close matches I could have lost there too. I did have chances."

Earlier, Halep powered her way to a 6-1, 6-0 win in just under an hour on the clay of the Italico Foro to claim her fourth win over 21st-ranked Osaka in five meetings.

"It was one of those helpless feeling," conceded Osaka who could be heard saying "I want to cry" courtside.&nbsp

The match looked set to be a battle after Halep needed to save four break points in her opening service game for 1-1 but then reeled off 12 in a row to avenge her Indian Wells loss.

"I like to slide on the clay and today was easy for me. I'm more relaxed than in Madrid," said Halep.

Osaka, 20, failed to convert any of her six break point opportunities, hitting 29 unforced errors to Halep's 14.

- 'Depressed, and stuff' -

The 26-year-old Halep reached the final in Rome last year and needs to reach the quarter-finals this time to hold her world number one ranking.

"It's just like one of those moments, like, you're a little bit depressed, and stuff. But I think this is the first match of the year that I've felt like this," insisted Osaka, who struggled with her backhand.

"She knew it and we were having a lot of backhand rallies, other than that I couldn't say what happened.

"I feel like I've played her the most of any player, this was the third time this year. She has a very solid game plan for me."

The Romanian will next play 13th-seeded American Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0) for a place in the quarter-finals.

Halep is building towards the French&nbspOpen&nbspin two weeks time where she hopes to claim a first Grand Slam after twice finishing runner-up in Roland Garros.

France's Caroline Garcia, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, also eased into the third round past Hungary's Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4.

Garcia, the seventh seed, went through with a break in both sets in 1hr 30min and she will next play either American Sloane Stephens or Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.

In the men's event, US eighth seed John Isner fell following a three set battle which included three tiebreaks against Spain's Albert Ramos 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5).

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at Italian Open and top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka

Austrian Dominic Thiem, last week's Madrid finalist, crashed at the first hurdle at the ATP and WTA&nbspItalian&nbspOpen&nbspTuesday as top women's seed Simona Halep demolished Japan's Naomi Osaka. Sixth seed Thiem -- who inflicted the first clay-court defeat in almost a year on Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid -- smashed his racket in fury on his way to losing to Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in just over two hours. Fognini, ranked 21, kept his nerve while Thiem took out his frustration on his racket after handing his rival three match points, the&nbspItalian&nbspthen sealing his first win in three meetings with the Austrian. Fognini, 30, next plays Germany's Peter Gojowczyk before a possible quarter-final showdown with top seed Nadal. "It was an intense fight. He was pumped today and playing at home and coming off a good win over (Gael) Monfils," said Thiem. "If you compare it to Madrid there were a lot of close matches I could have lost there too. I did have chances." Earlier, Halep powered her way to a 6-1, 6-0 win in just under an hour on the clay of the Italico Foro to claim her fourth win over 21st-ranked Osaka in five meetings. "It was one of those helpless feeling," conceded Osaka who could be heard saying "I want to cry" courtside. The match looked set to be a battle after Halep needed to save four break points in her opening service game for 1-1 but then reeled off 12 in a row to avenge her Indian Wells loss. "I like to slide on the clay and today was easy for me. I'm more relaxed than in Madrid," said Halep. Osaka, 20, failed to convert any of her six break point opportunities, hitting 29 unforced errors to Halep's 14. - 'Depressed, and stuff' - The 26-year-old Halep reached the final in Rome last year and needs to reach the quarter-finals this time to hold her world number one ranking. "It's just like one of those moments, like, you're a little bit depressed, and stuff. But I think this is the first match of the year that I've felt like this," insisted Osaka, who struggled with her backhand. "She knew it and we were having a lot of backhand rallies, other than that I couldn't say what happened. "I feel like I've played her the most of any player, this was the third time this year. She has a very solid game plan for me." The Romanian will next play 13th-seeded American Madison Keys, who battled past Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0) for a place in the quarter-finals. Halep is building towards the French&nbspOpen&nbspin two weeks time where she hopes to claim a first Grand Slam after twice finishing runner-up in Roland Garros. France's Caroline Garcia, a semi-finalist in Madrid last week, also eased into the third round past Hungary's Timea Babos 6-3, 6-4. Garcia, the seventh seed, went through with a break in both sets in 1hr 30min and she will next play either American Sloane Stephens or Kaia Kanepi of Estonia. In the men's event, US eighth seed John Isner fell following a three set battle which included three tiebreaks against Spain's Albert Ramos 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5).

Thiem crashes in Rome, Halep demolishes Osaka

Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander&nbspZverev&nbspin the Madrid Masters final on Sunday and then said the German is now the best player in the world beneath Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Zverev&nbsphas long been marked out as a future star of the men's game and his 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiem suggests the German can be a major threat at the French Open later this month.&nbsp

Thiem had ousted Nadal in the quarter-finals on Friday and he too will be among the small group capable of preventing the Spaniard from claiming an 11th Roland Garros crown.&nbsp

But the Austrian was outplayed, and over-powered, by&nbspZverev, who collects his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, the most prestigious tier of knock-out tournament beneath the four Grand Slams.&nbsp

Zverev&nbspis now one of five active players to have won three, the others being Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Those four are all aged 30 or older, while&nbspZverev&nbspis 21, with Djokovic and Murray both attempting recovery missions after injury.

"I would say probably now, besides Roger and Rafa, he's the best," Thiem said. "You just need to look at his results."&nbsp

Ranked third in the world,&nbspZverev&nbspis yet to transfer his talent and success in Masters events to Grand Slams, however, where his best result remains to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon last year.&nbsp

On this evidence, that breakthrough is surely close, with the crowd on Manolo Santana court treated to an impressive display of aggressive baseline hitting. Thiem's 21 errors to&nbspZverev's 12 were also key.&nbsp

"Rafa is the favourite, no matter where he plays, on a clay court,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "He's going to be the favourite in Rome, he's going to be the favourite in Paris. He's still the guy to beat."

The players in Madrid this week have remarked on the quickness of the courts and that has suited&nbspZverev, whose demon serve was almost untouchable in the opening set.&nbsp

After conceding an early break for 2-0, Thiem's only sniff came at 5-4 when he opened up 0-30 on the&nbspZverev&nbspserve. But his opponent did not waver, letting out a roar of relief after clinching the frame.&nbsp

Another break in the first game of the second meant Thiem was again playing catch-up and&nbspZverev&nbspcould have moved 3-0 clear had Thiem not saved two more break points.&nbsp

Instead, Thiem stayed in touch to make&nbspZverev&nbspserve out. A sumptuous half-volley opened up two match points and&nbspZverevtook the first when a final Thiem forehand floated long.&nbsp

"It's a great feeling,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "Hopefully this will not be my last, hopefully I can continue to improve, and win a few more."

Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Masters final

Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander&nbspZverev&nbspin the Madrid Masters final on Sunday and then said the German is now the best player in the world beneath Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Zverev&nbsphas long been marked out as a future star of the men's game and his 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiem suggests the German can be a major threat at the French Open later this month. Thiem had ousted Nadal in the quarter-finals on Friday and he too will be among the small group capable of preventing the Spaniard from claiming an 11th Roland Garros crown. But the Austrian was outplayed, and over-powered, by&nbspZverev, who collects his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, the most prestigious tier of knock-out tournament beneath the four Grand Slams. Zverev&nbspis now one of five active players to have won three, the others being Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Those four are all aged 30 or older, while&nbspZverev&nbspis 21, with Djokovic and Murray both attempting recovery missions after injury. "I would say probably now, besides Roger and Rafa, he's the best," Thiem said. "You just need to look at his results." Ranked third in the world,&nbspZverev&nbspis yet to transfer his talent and success in Masters events to Grand Slams, however, where his best result remains to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon last year. On this evidence, that breakthrough is surely close, with the crowd on Manolo Santana court treated to an impressive display of aggressive baseline hitting. Thiem's 21 errors to&nbspZverev's 12 were also key. "Rafa is the favourite, no matter where he plays, on a clay court,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "He's going to be the favourite in Rome, he's going to be the favourite in Paris. He's still the guy to beat." The players in Madrid this week have remarked on the quickness of the courts and that has suited&nbspZverev, whose demon serve was almost untouchable in the opening set. After conceding an early break for 2-0, Thiem's only sniff came at 5-4 when he opened up 0-30 on the&nbspZverev&nbspserve. But his opponent did not waver, letting out a roar of relief after clinching the frame. Another break in the first game of the second meant Thiem was again playing catch-up and&nbspZverev&nbspcould have moved 3-0 clear had Thiem not saved two more break points. Instead, Thiem stayed in touch to make&nbspZverev&nbspserve out. A sumptuous half-volley opened up two match points and&nbspZverevtook the first when a final Thiem forehand floated long. "It's a great feeling,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "Hopefully this will not be my last, hopefully I can continue to improve, and win a few more."

Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters

Austrian Dominic Thiem beat Kevin Anderson for the first time at the seventh attempt to reach the Madrid Open final for the second successive year on Saturday.

The fifth seed won 6-4 6-2 as he continued the scintillating form that ended top seed Rafa Nadal`s year-long unbeaten run on clay the day before.

South African Anderson, seeded sixth, was playing in his first Masters 1000 semi-final but faded after a solid start.

While Thiem had a 0-6 record against Anderson, the pair had never met on the Austrian`s favoured clay surface, and the longer rallies suited his heavy baseline game.

Thiem needed a single break of serve in the opening set and broke twice in the second to wrap up victory.

He will play either Alexander Zverev or Canadian Denis Shapovalov in Sunday`s final.

The fifth seed won 6-4 6-2 as he continued the scintillating form

Austrian Dominic Thiem beat Kevin Anderson for the first time at the seventh attempt to reach the Madrid Open final for the second successive year on Saturday. The fifth seed won 6-4 6-2 as he continued the scintillating form that ended top seed Rafa Nadal`s year-long unbeaten run on clay the day before. South African Anderson, seeded sixth, was playing in his first Masters 1000 semi-final but faded after a solid start. While Thiem had a 0-6 record against Anderson, the pair had never met on the Austrian`s favoured clay surface, and the longer rallies suited his heavy baseline game. Thiem needed a single break of serve in the opening set and broke twice in the second to wrap up victory. He will play either Alexander Zverev or Canadian Denis Shapovalov in Sunday`s final.

Dominic Thiem beats Anderson for first time to reach Madrid final

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay.&nbsp

Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay.

31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round.

Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak.

<img alt="000_14S9QL.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/000_14S9QL.jpg" width="770" />

<h6>Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L)&nbsp</h6>

Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points.

Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona.

The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay. Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay. 31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round. Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak. Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L) Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points. Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona. The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.

Rafael Nadal's unbeaten run ends as Dominic Thiem knocks him out of Madrid Open

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal.

Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3.

Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury.

Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point.

Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov.

The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row.

Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title.

<img alt="novak.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/novak.jpg" width="770" />

"It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him."

Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury.

The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.

&nbsp

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal. Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3. Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury. Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point. Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov. The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row. Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title. "It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him." Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet. World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury. The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.

Dominic Thiem upsets Djokovic in Monte Carlo to set up Nadal clash

Deposed world number one Novak Djokovic suffered an early scare against Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals before launching his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory.

Thiem, the youngest of the eight qualifiers for the year-ender endeared himself to a sell-out O2 Arena crowd with a swashbuckling first set tiebreak which he sealed at the seventh time of asking with a sizzling forehand winner.

Djokovic, who could still end the year as world number one by doing better than new top dog Andy Murray, had looked reasonably comfortable, if a little flat, before Thiem upped the pace to take the opener.

Any chance of a shock opening loss to a man he had previously never dropped a set to in three meetings quickly subsided though as Djokovic found another gear to race through the second and third sets.

The second set was over in 23 minutes and once Djokovic forged a break ahead in the third game of the decider there was no way back for his Austrian opponent.

Later on Sunday in the Ivan Lendl group Gael Monfils, another first-timer at the event, takes on Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic.

Murray, who ended Djokovic&#39;s 122-week spell at the top of the rankings last week in Paris, faces Croatia&#39;s Marin Cilic in Monday&#39;s second John McEnroe group match after Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori takes on US&nbsp;Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

Home favourite Murray leads Djokovic by 405 points but with 275 Davis Cup final points about to drop off his total, the year-end positions will be decided in the coming days, possibly in a showdown in next Sunday&#39;s final.

(Reuters)

Djokivic launched his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory over Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem

Deposed world number one Novak Djokovic suffered an early scare against Austrian debutant Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals before launching his bid for a fifth successive title with a 6-7(10), 6-0, 6-2 victory. Thiem, the youngest of the eight qualifiers for the year-ender endeared himself to a sell-out O2 Arena crowd with a swashbuckling first set tiebreak which he sealed at the seventh time of asking with a sizzling forehand winner. Djokovic, who could still end the year as world number one by doing better than new top dog Andy Murray, had looked reasonably comfortable, if a little flat, before Thiem upped the pace to take the opener. Any chance of a shock opening loss to a man he had previously never dropped a set to in three meetings quickly subsided though as Djokovic found another gear to race through the second and third sets. The second set was over in 23 minutes and once Djokovic forged a break ahead in the third game of the decider there was no way back for his Austrian opponent. Later on Sunday in the Ivan Lendl group Gael Monfils, another first-timer at the event, takes on Canada's Milos Raonic. Murray, who ended Djokovic's 122-week spell at the top of the rankings last week in Paris, faces Croatia's Marin Cilic in Monday's second John McEnroe group match after Japan's Kei Nishikori takes on US Open champion Stan Wawrinka. Home favourite Murray leads Djokovic by 405 points but with 275 Davis Cup final points about to drop off his total, the year-end positions will be decided in the coming days, possibly in a showdown in next Sunday's final. (Reuters)

ATP World Tour Finals: Djokovic beats Thiem after early scare

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. 
 
The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will not be at the best level in any of the categories,&quot; Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. &quot;I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot.&quot; 
 
&quot;I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team,&quot; he said. 
Nadal&#39;s spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion&#39;s fitness situation was &quot;delicate&quot;. 
 
World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain&#39;s flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. 
 
Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. 
 
Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. 
 
Nadal&#39;s coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. 
 
&quot;His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity,&quot; Toni said. 
 
&quot;We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The men's tennis event has already lost a host of stars either through injury, scheduling problems or worries over Zika virus

Rafael Nadal has conceded he is not yet sure that he will be able to represent Spain at the Rio Olympics as his fitness concerns linger. The 2008 gold medallist withdrew from the French Open with a wrist injury and missed Wimbledon. "I will not be at the best level in any of the categories," Nadal told journalists after arriving in Brazil. "I have not competed for two months and I have not trained a lot." "I will train a few days here to see what I can do and then decide what is best, to be more positive for me and the team," he said. Nadal's spanish team mate David Ferrer acknowledged last week that the 14-time grand slam champion's fitness situation was "delicate". World number five Nadal, who is due to be Spain's flag bearer, was absent from the 2012 Olympics due to injury and should he withdraw, it would come as a significant blow for tennis at the Games with several other high-profile player also missing. Roger Federer sits out due to a knee problem and Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic withdrew citing fears over the Zika virus. Fellow top 20 players Tomas Berdych, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, John Isner, Feliciano Lopez and Nick Kyrgios are also out. Nadal's coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, later raised hopes the player may be ready to play, although perhaps not in all three events - singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "His wrist is so much better. We tried to practise normally. We played with a good level, a good intensity," Toni said. "We are waiting until tomorrow to take a decision to play all the things or not: singles, doubles and mixed doubles. "Tomorrow we have to talk with (Spain coach) Conchita Martinez and with Rafa and what we think is better for the team, and then we play. Sure, sure, we play something." (Reuters)

Spain's flag bearer Rafael Nadal doubtful over Rio participation

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