Top 5 Photos, 1/29: Thiem, Zverev set up semifinal clash

A younger generation rose to the occasion on Day 10 to break through at the Australian Open. These are the Top 5 photos from Wednesday at the Australian Open. (All photos Getty Images).

1

“To really break a barrier, one young player has to win a Slam," Dominic Thiem said following his four-set triumph over Rafael Nadal. Thiem had defeated the Spaniard four times prior, but never at the Grand Slam level and never on hard courts.

2

Alexander Zverev's 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Stan Wawrinka provided a bit of relief, after carrying an overwhelming amount of expectations on his shoulder. "This is a Grand Slam, and this is where you're supposed to play your best tennis and I’m doing that," Zverev said. He'll face Thiem for a spot in the final.

3

Zverev's girlfriend Brenda Patea joined the player box alongside the German's father/coach on Wednesday. As would be expected, she seemed tense during Zverev's quarterfinal clash against Wawrinka, but once Zverev sealed the deal she was all smiles.

4

"I gave myself an opportunity until the last point, so I'm happy for that," Nadal said in his post-match press conference. The Spaniard faced many questions concerning his performance level and frustration on the court, but Nadal had nothing negative to say about his game or Thiem.

5

Aussie duo John-Patrick Smith and Astra Sharma rallied their way back to defeat Lukasz Kubot and Iga Swiatek, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 10-3. The hometown duo will next face 2019 US Open champions Jamie Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands for a spot in the Aussie Open final.