Another week, another disappointing defeat for Rafael Nadal. One week after his 6-4 6-2 loss to Fabio Fognini in Monte Carlo’s semifinal, Nadal was outplayed by Dominic Thiem, losing 6-4 6-4.
For the first time since 2004, Rafa has won no title in the first four months of the season. Could he enter Roland Garros without a clay-court title under his belt?

In the other semifinal, Daniil Medvedev overcame Kei Nishikori after a 3-set 6-4 3-6 7-5 thriller. It will be the Russian’s third final of the year after his loss in Brisbane and victory in Sofia.

Medvedev and Thiem only met once so far, in the St Petersburg quarterfinals last year, with Thiem winning in 3 sets.

Photo credit: Banco Sadabell

Read more:
– 2019 ATP clay-court season guide
– Barcelona Open 2019: Medvedev through the semifinals
– Barcelona Open 2019: Nadal and Thiem will face off in the semifinals