PHOTOS: 2017 Internazionali BNL d'Italia QF Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem

2017 Internazionali BNL d'Italia QF Rafael Nadal vs. Dominic Thiem   4/6 3/6

ROME (AP) -- Rafael Nadal's winning streak ended at 17 matches as he lost in straight sets to Dominic Thiem in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open on Friday.

The 6-4, 6-3 victory was a sort of revenge for Thiem, who was beaten by the Spaniard in the Madrid Open final last week.  

The 30-year-old Nadal, who was seeded fourth, had won consecutive clay-court tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid and was aiming for an eighth title at the Foro Italico as he prepares for the French Open in less than two weeks. 

"I just have to congratulate [Thiem], because he was better than me this afternoon," Nadal said. "He played great in all aspects. Just well done for him.

“It’s normal that one day you don't feel perfect. If you are unlucky on that day, the opponent plays unbelievable,” said Nadal. “So tomorrow, I will be in Mallorca fishing or playing golf or doing another thing. That's it.”

“I never take Monte-Carlo, Barcelona or Rome like preparation,” said Nadal. “Every tournament is so emotional for me. Every tournament is so important. Every tournament by itself is important enough to not consider it like preparation for the other."

“It's obvious that I did not play my best match,” he added. “I have been playing a lot. Madrid and Rome, back-to-back, after playing Barcelona and Monte-Carlo back-to-back, so it’s not easy after playing almost every day for the past four weeks."

“I’m very happy with how I played during these four weeks and now remains Roland Garros,” said Nadal. “I'm going to rest a little bit. I think I deserve that. I’m going to start preparing on Monday or Tuesday for Roland Garros and try to have the best preparation possible.”
 

Photos: IBI17; AFP; REUTERS; AP; EPA