Rafael Nadal vs Dominic Thiem Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 27/01/2020, 10:56  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 27/01/2020 at 11:56 in ATP Australian Open Predictions

Rafael Nadal is the top seed for the Australian Open but hasn't won the title since 2009. He takes on the fifth seed Dominic Thiem in the quarter finals looking to reach the semi-finals for the third time iin four years. The Spaniard is ranked number one in the world and won two Grand Slam tournaments last year. He wasn't at his best in the ATP Cup losing two of his matches. His form has improved in this tournament though with only Nick Kyrgios taking a set off him. Nadal has won nine of his previous 13 matches against Thiem including three of the last four. All but one of ther prevous meetings have been on clay but the other was on a hard court at the 2018 US Open with Nadal winning.

Dominic Thiem is doing his best to prove that a clay surface isn't needed for him to be a major threat. Last year saw him win a hard court tournamemts in Beijing and Vienna  as well as make it to the final of the ATP Tour Finals beating Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the way. This is only the second time he has reached a quarter final away from the French Open. His new year didn't get off to the best of starts with two losses to players outside the top 20 in the ATP Cup,  His struggles have continued in this tournament. He had to go to five sets to beat wild card Alex Bolt in round two, after trailing by two sets to one. Another five-setter followed in the third round against the number 29 seed Taylor Fitz, again having to win the last two sets to progress. He had an easier time in the fourth round with a straight sets win over Gael Monfils. He doesn't look to be in the form to beat Nadal, go for the Spaniard to win this match.