Dominic Thiem has ended his country’s 23-year wait for a champion at the Barcelona Open after defeating a lacklustre Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-0, in the final.
The 25-year-old overcame a early blip to dominate proceedings at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona 1899 against his weary rival. Medvedev took an injury time out during the clash and his form deteriorated as the final progressed. Nevertheless, French Open finalist Thiem stuck to his game plan as he fired 15 winners and capitalized on 27 unforced errors from his rival. Rewarding him his ninth clay-court title and 13th overall on the ATP Tour.
“To win this tournament is such an honour for me because it’s one of the best of the year.” Thiem said during the trophy presentation. “I really love coming here (to Barcelona). Only the best players in the history of tennis have won here. Rafa 11 times and Thomas Muster twice, which is very special for me.”
“I like to thank my team. Every tournament win is a huge team effort and I would like to thank everybody who is here.” He added.
Following on from his win over Rafael Nadal, Thiem was very much the favourite heading into the final. However, Medvedev is a player not to underestimate. Not only has the world No.14 won more matches than any other player on the ATP Tour this season. He has already defeated Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Kei Nishikori on the clay this season.
Thiem soon found out the threat the Russian posed after a tentative start saw him fall behind 0-3. It wasn’t until 21 minutes into the match the Austrian managed to get onto a scoreboard during a game that changed the momentum of their encounter. Thiem’s use of slice to reduce the intensity of his opponents shot-making, along with some world-class dropshots, enabled him to fight back with interest as he went on a five-game winning streak to move ahead 5-3. Much to the annoyance of Medvedev, who took a medical time out late in the opening set to receive treatment on his right shoulder. Despite the brief break in proceedings, Thiem maintained his focus with the help of a deep forehand shot to clinch the 6-4 lead after 52 minutes of play.
Extending his stronghold, Thiem broke immediately at the start of the second frame thanks to a nightmare service game from across the court. The wear and tear from playing so many matches in recent time began to took its too on Medvedev as the Russian began to leak errors. Resulting in Thiem breaking three times in a row for a chance to serve for the title. A task he achieved with ease with the help of a forehand volley at the net to claim the title.
“I tried my best, but Dominic was too good today.” Said Medvedev. “At one point during the second set to win one point was a big achievement for me.’
“Congratulations to you and your team. I think you’re having a good start to the year and all the best for the rest of the season.”
Thiem is the second Austrian to win the tournament since it was first played in 1953. Following in the footsteps of two-time champion Muster, who last triumphed back in 1996. He has now claimed 68 victories since the start of 2018, which is the joint-second most match wins on the tour.
