Dominic Thiem reveals Novak Djokovic inspiration that helped him beat Rafael Nadal

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem pipped Grand Slam veteran Rafael Nal on Tuesday in ATP Finals 2020. Thiem mastered tiebreaks once again as he registered a 7-6 (7) 7-6 (4) straight-sets win over Spaniard. With win, 27-year-old has w vanced to semi-finals of ongoing ATP Finals 2020 event.

Dominic Thiem storms into semi-finals of ATP Finals 2020

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Dominic Thiem takes a p out of vak Djokovic’s book to beat Nal

Dominic Thiem saved two set points before converting his first set point to win opening round. During post-match press conference, Thiem remarked: “I try t to make many mistakes in tiebreak.” Thiem referred to same as taking a “p out of vak Djokovic’s book”, considering Serbian’s abilities to come up clutch in crunch situations.

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Highlights from Dominic Thiem vs Rafael Nal’s ATP Finals 2020 clash

Dominic Thiem entered ATP Finals 2020 with a 3-5 tie-break record in season finale. Austrian constantly attacked Rafael Nal’s backhand, but a key justment with forehand helped him surprise 20-time Grand Slam champion.

Thiem matched Nal shot for shot in a highly entertaining encounter, with King of Clay describing game as "very equal". 27-year-old kept his calm and delivered during key moments to seal a semi-final berth on Tuesday.

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Dominic Thiem's ATP ranking

Thiem won US Open 2020 earlier this year to claim his first-ever Grand Slam. As of w, Thiem's ATP ranking is . 3 and he's only behind likes of vak Djokovic (. 1) and Rafael Nal (. 2). 27-year-old Austrian star rose to aforementioned ranking (also his career-best) on March 2 this year.

Dominic Thiem after defeating Rafael Nal

ATP Finals 2020 Thursday match-ups

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Im source: ATP Tour Twitter