Rafael Nadal downs Dominic Thiem in Adelaide

World no. 2 Rafael Nadal defeated world no. 3 Dominic Thiem 7-5, 6-4 at A Day at the Drive in Adelaide, in their first clash of the season.

It was a great battle in front of the delighted crowd, and Nadal earned a win with a single break in each set, wrapping up the encounter in an hour and 24 minutes. The Spaniard closed the second game with a service winner and held at 15 in game four following a service winner.

Thiem landed an ace in the fifth game to remain in front before Nadal delivered another fine hold to level the score at 3-3 after 21 minutes. Returning at 5-5, Rafa converted the second break chance following Thiem's wide forehand, moving in front and sealing the opening set with a forehand winner a few minutes later for 7-5 after 51 minutes.

Returning at 4-4 in set number two, Rafa grabbed a break and moved over the top with a volley winner in game ten.