Watch Argentina Open 2016: Rafael Nadal vs Dominic Thiem semifinal preview, live streaming info and score updates
Rafael Nadal advanced into the semifinal round of the 2016 Argentina Open in Buenos Aires and will face Austrian Dominic Thiem as the Spaniard continues his quest to start the season anew.
Top seeded Nadal overcame Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi 7-6(3) 6-2 in the quarterfinal round of the tournament, where the Spaniard campaigns for a 48th title on clay surface. Nadal’s next opponent will be Thiem, who cruised past Serb’s Dusan Lajovic 6-4 6-2.
Nadal, who defends his title in this year’s Argentina Open, broke loose in the second set after a tightly contested first set. 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.
It will be Nadal’s second meeting with the fifth seed Thiem, according to the ATP FedEx Head2Head of both players. The “King of Clay” made easy work of the world No. 19 in 2014 at Roland Garros, where Nadal won his ninth French Open title after defeating Novak Djokovic in the final round. However, it was also the last time Nadal hoisted a trophy in a major tournament as he continues to struggle playing in top form.
Nadal was supposed to have a promising campaign at the Australian Open last month, but no thanks to compatriot Fernando Verdasco. The 14-time Grand Slam winner was booted out of the first Grand Slam event of the year as early as the opening round.
"I finished last year playing very well,” Nadal said, reports Fox News Latino. “I also began this year very well, but I had a very bad tournament in Australia, and I hope that was an accident. I've worked to have an excellent season, and I feel prepared for it.”
Meanwhile, the semifinal round of the tournament could feature an All-Spanish competition if three-time David Ferrer defeats Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in their QF showdown. The winner between Ferrer and Cuevas could face another Spaniard in Nicolas Almagro, who defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 7-5.
Live streaming info and score updates
Watch the Argentina Open 2016 live via ATP’s official website or TennisTV. Live scores for matches will be available on game days via ATP's official website.
