21 February,2016 10:51 AM IST | | Agencies
Young Austrian Dominic stuns Spain’s defending champion and second seed David 6-3, 6-2 in just 73 minutes to enter semi-finals
Rio de Janeiro: David Ferrer's defence of the Rio Open was ended at the quarter-final stage as he was soundly beaten in straight sets by 22-year-old Dominic Thiem. Last year's champion and 2nd seed this time around could not cope with Thiem's power and the fifth seed triumphed 6-3, 6-2 in just 73 minutes on the Brazilian clay.
Spain's David Ferrer; (left) Power-packed: Austria's Dominic Thiem reacts after defeating David Ferrer of Spain 6-3, 6-2 in the men's singles quarter-finals of the Rio Open in Brazil on Saturday. pic/AFP
Thiem set up a semi-final against Argentinian Guido Pella, who saw off Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver in three sets. Pella came from behind to win 7-5, 6-1, 7-5.
Nadal in semi-finals
Rafael Nadal won his quarter-final encounter of the clay-court event beating compatriot Nicolas Almagro in straight sets 6-3, 7-5. The troubled Mallorcan is the top seed in what is his second tournament since being humbled in the first round of the Australian Open.
