LONDON: David Goffin has become the first Belgian player in history to reach the last four of the ATP Finals after brushing aside a crumbling Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1, in a decisive showdown.
Goffin managed to position himself within touching distance of the milestone following his triumph over Rafael Nadal earlier in the week. Becoming the first player from his country to defeat a world No.1 player on the ATP Tour. Heading into his clash with Thiem, he lead their head-to-head 6-3, winning two of those matches this season.
“After the first match against Rafael [Nadal] I wasted so much energy, I was not ready for Grigor [Dimitrov], but I had a good rest yesterday and was ready for today and I hope I can do the same for the semi-finals.” Goffin commented about his resurgence following a heavy loss to Grigor Dimitrov on Wednesday.
History repeated itself once more at The O2 Arena with Goffin triumphing, but this time it was due to an out of sorts Thiem. Who hit 27 errors and six double faults to end his season on a low point. In Comparison, world No.8 Goffin hit 20 unforced errors to five double faults.
“It was a pity to play against Dominic, he is such a good friend and a nice guy, it’s never easy to play against a friend.” Said Goffin.
“It was tough, I was focused, I knew I had to stay calm and be ready for a tough battle. At the end I was happy with the way I managed the match.”
The biggest threat the 24-year-old faced was at the start of the match. World No.4 Thiem appeared determined and comfortable on the court as he cruised to a 3-0 lead, winning 10 out of 11 points during one stage.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for the Austrian with a more consistent and composed Goffin weathering the storm. Capitalizing heavily on his rival’s mistakes. Breaking two consecutive times, 32-minutes was all Goffin required to clinch the opening set. Sealing it with the help of a winning forehand passing shot.
Despite clinching the lead, there was still a risk for Goffin. In their four most recent meetings, both players have won at least a set. This time round it was different as Thiem continued to implode on the court. Placing the London crowd into a sense of disbelief and silence. The highly anticipated encounter was a one-man whitewash. Even when Thiem tried to break during an eight-deuce Goffin service game, he failed to secure the breakthrough. Allowing the Belgian to clinch victory with a backhand winner.
“I had a very, very good start obviously. Some very bad mistakes. I let him back into the game.” Thiem commented during his press conference.
Federer awaits
In the wake of the milestone, the 24-year-old will next take on six-time champion Roger Federer. Who he has lost to in their six previous meetings.
“It will be a tough match, so nice to play a semi against him, I have nothing to lose I will try and raise my level.” He said about facing the world No.2.
Their latest meeting in Basel saw Goffin get thrashed 6-1, 6-2, by the Swiss 36-year-old. Something he hopes to prevent on Saturday.
“I’ve never found a key to beat Roger. Honestly, I don’t know what to do tomorrow.” Admitted Goffin. “But I’m going to try something, something different, something that I’ve never done in the past. I will try to do my best to play a better match than in Basel, for sure.”
Joining Dimitrov and Jack Sock in the last four of the tournament, it is the first time the last four will feature three players making their semifinal debut since 2008.
