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Dominic Thiem names the key factor behind his win over Rafael Nadal

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Dominic Thiem names the key factor behind his win over Rafael Nadal — Thiem sprung a surprise (Picture: Getty)

Dominic Thiem snapped Rafael Nadals 21-match win streak on clay in style as he booked his spot in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open and he insists that the main factor behind his success was belief.

The Spaniard had looked unstoppable as he won 50 sets on the spin on his favoured surface but Thiem became the first man to beat him on the dirt in 2018 – as he did last season.

Nadal had thumped Thiem 6-0 6-2 in Monte-Carlo just weeks before their meeting in Madrid and the Austrian pointed out that the conditions suit him far better at the Caja Magica.

But more importantly, he felt his mentality heading into the tie played a major role in his success and he hopes to maintain that belief heading into Rome and Roland Garros.

I think I was playing a little bit better today than in Monte-Carlo, he said after the 7-5 6-3 win. Of course, its great conditions here for me in Madrid. I love to play here.

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I mean, there is a reason why I did my first Masters finals here last year. Its great to play here for me.

But in the same time, of course, I had to really increase my level compared to Monte-Carlo to beat Rafa here. Hes in a really great form. He won 21 matches on clay and 50 sets. This is amazing. So I had to play an extraordinary match, and thats what I did.

Its always amazing and it takes a really good match to beat Rafa on clay. But I think a very important thing also was today that I went in with the attitude that I can beat him.

Like obviously two weeks ago in Monte-Carlo, he killed me Love and 2. It was very important I went in with a positive attitude, with an attitude to win.

Like this I should go in every match against him. Also in maybe the next upcoming tournaments.