Dominic Thiem criticizes himself after defeat to Rafael Nadal: “This has been a problem for a long time”

Rafael Nadal has not played a tennis match for 349 days. However, he beat Thiem 7:5, 6:1 initially in Brisbane.

The right-hander had major problems serving the Spanish player, especially in the second set. The match against the 22-time Grand Slam winner showed a fundamental weakness.

Thiem said after the match: “It is a problem I have had for a long time, which is that I do not put enough pressure on the opponent when I return.”

He added: “Against a player like Nadal, who is very dominant on his first ball, it makes it more difficult.” In fact, Thiem won only six points out of a possible 46 when Nadal served.

There is a lot of room for improvement, but the time until the Australian Open is short. These matches start on January 14, and Thiem must establish himself as the world No. 98. However, qualify first.

The qualifiers will be held next week. If a player cancels, the 30-year-old will slide straight into the main draw.

Thiem, who seemed enthusiastic despite the defeat to Nadal, said: “If I play in the main tournament, I still have a few days of training as I want to develop my performance further and improve the weaknesses that appeared in me today.”

Even in Melbourne, it won't be enough for the right-hander to be able to keep up with just one set.