Rafael Nadal downs Dominic Thiem in surprise exhibition match

World No1 Nadal played Austria’s Thiem at Melbourne Park in preparation for the Australian Open

World No1 Rafael Nadal has tuned up for the Australian Open with an exhibition match win at Melbourne Park.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal plays a practice match with Austria’s Dominic Thiem before the Australian Open tennis tournament. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

The Spaniard took on Dominic Thiem in a surprise clash on Margaret Court Arena on Friday.

They were all square after two sets, with Thiem winning a first-set tiebreak before Nadal hit his straps in the second set.

The Open’s top seed broke Thiem twice in the second set for the only breaks of the match.

While the roof was closed, both men struggled in humid conditions and called off a third set in favour of a tiebreak.

Nadal overcame dogged resistance from the Austrian to win 10-8 in the much-needed hitout.

Thiem squibbed a simple overhead with the score at 8-8, allowing Nadal to close out the match.

(GUARDIAN)