- Thiem wins 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4) and is through to semi-finals
- Stefanos Tstisipas defeats Andrey Rublev in three sets
The paradox of greatness in sport is champions are judged as much by their random shortcomings as their serial triumphs. Yet, when Rafael Nadal – the owner of 20 majors, most recently at his beloved Roland Garros for the 13th time – lost to Dominic Thiem in straight sets under the London lights, it was a glorious stumble against a superb opponent in one of the best matches of the year rather than a dispiriting defeat.
He is not out of it yet but, at 34, Nadal’s 10th attempt to win the ATP Tour Finals on his least favourite surface will surely be among his last. The convoluted round-robin format may save him before the weekend but he had his chances against Thiem and could not close the show.
