Record chasing Nadal wary of Thiem threat

Rafael Nadal is taking nothing for granted in his Australian Open semifinal against Dominic Thiem despite owning a 100 percent record at Grand Slams against the slick Austrian. At stake for both men is a last-four clash against either resurgent veteran Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka or German young gun Alexander Zverev. Nadal was stretched to four […]

Rafael Nadal is taking nothing for granted in his Australian Open semifinal against Dominic Thiem despite owning a 100 percent record at Grand Slams against the slick Austrian.

At stake for both men is a last-four clash against either resurgent veteran Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka or German young gun Alexander Zverev.

Nadal was stretched to four sets for the first time in the tournament against explosive Australian Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round.

But the Spaniard warned he was getting better by the day as he looks to add to his 2009 Melbourne Park title and draw level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam crowns.

“I think I am moving in the right direction. Every day I’m playing a little bit better,” said Nadal, who is aiming for a seventh Australian Open semi, while Thiem is gunning for his first.