Thiem save three break points to hold his service into the third set, but the "King of Clay" responded by fully exhibiting his powerful forehand for astute winners.

Thiem was hampered by his many unforced errors after long rallies. Nadal finished another break in the third game to move in front, while injuring his left middle finger midway through the fourth game. He continued his momentum following the medical timeout, and managed to convert his fifth match point on Thiem's poor backhand in the eighth game.

After claiming his 17th career Grand Slam title, Nadal was set to retain his top position at the latest ATP rankings ahead of archrival Roger Federer.

Nadal also closed the gap on Federer, who won on 20 occasions, on the all-time list for most Grand Slam men's singles titles.

"Let me enjoy this title," Nadal said with a smile. "I have ambition and passion for what I am doing. But I never have been crazy about all this kind of stuff.

"I would love to have 20 like Roger in the future or even more, but being honest, it's something that is not in my mind. What is in my mind now is that I won a very important title for me," he added.