Lorenzo Sonego: Dominic Thiem is with Rafael Nadal the best player on clay

• Tennis News
• Rafael Nadal

Italian tennis player Lorenzo Sonego couldn't hide his happiness after stunning world No. 4 Dominic Thiem at the Rome Masters. Sonego, ranked at No. 33 in the world, edged out No. 4 seed Thiem 6-4 6-7 (5) 7-6 (5) in the Rome Masters round-of-16.

Sonego, who is playing his fifth Rome Masters main draw this year, made the quarterfinal at the event for the first time in his career. Thiem has been one of the best players on clay over the last few years, having ended runner-up at the French Open in 2018 and 2019.

"It’s amazing, an unbelievably emotional moment for me because I’m in Rome, in my Italy with fans for two sets," Sonego said in his on-court interview, as quoted on the ATP website. "I’m so happy for this victory, for this match.

Thiem is with Nadal the best player on clay”.

Sonego delivered in key moments

Sonego failed to convert any of his three break points in the fifth game but claimed the first break of the match in the seventh game. After breaking Thiem in the seventh game of the first set, Sonego held on to his serve in the following two service games to win the opener.

Thiem had the first break points of the second set but failed to convert any of his two break points in the fourth game. Sonego had break points in back-to-back games but Thiem saved two break points in the ninth game and also saved two more break points in the 11th game.

Thiem failed to convert any of his three set points in the 12th game but converted his fifth set point in the second set tie-break to force a decider. Sonego started the third set with a 2-0 lead but Thiem responded with back-to-back to overturn the deficit and take a 5-3 lead.

But Thiem failed to serve out for the match in the 10th game as the decider went into a tie-break. In the tie-break, Sonego realized his first match point to claim one of the biggest wins of his career.