Nadal into semifinals in Argentina; sets up match with Thiem

Rising star Dominic Thiem of Austria has knocked Rafael Nadal out of the Argentina Open with a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-4) victory over the defending champion on Saturday.

Teenager Taylor Fritz beat Benjamin Becker of Germany 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (5) Friday at the Memphis Open, becoming the youngest American to reach an ATP Tour semifinal since 1989. There were also concerns about Nadal’s condition after the Mallorcan needed medical attention on court for stomach pains amid a sweltering afternoon heat, but the 29-year-old seems to be ready to face Thiem at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.

Nadal has been virtually unbeatable on clay during his distinguished career but world No 19 Thiem broke twice to take the opening set.

On that point, Nadal opted to play conservatively and try to elicit an error, but the strategy backfired when Thiem blasted an inside-out forehand victor to stay alive in the contest.

The world No. 5, who struggled through his worst season in a decade in 2015 and was upset in the first round of last month’s Australian Open by countryman Fernando Verdasco, said he remained optimistic of a bounce-back season in 2016 despite the latest setback. “It was very tight from the beginning. I’ve worked to have an excellent season, and I feel prepared for it”.

Three-time victor Ferrer was leading 4-2 in the first set before the game was suspended, going on to complete a 6-4 1-6 6-3 win over the Uruguayan.

Ferrer showed signs of fatigue having finished off his quarter-final tie against Pablo Cuevas earlier in the day after their match was suspended overnight due to rain. Live scores for matches will be available on game days via ATP’s official website.