MADRID: Dominic Thiem has maintained his winning record over 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer by outlasting the Swiss Maestro 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4, at the Madrid Open.
The 131-minute marathon saw the world No.5 battle back from a set down and save two match points before securing the memorable win. There was little to tell between the two throughout with Thiem just winning two more points in the match. He hit 31 winners to 27 unforced errors. An almost identical tally to Federer’s 33 and 27.
“Today was so close. I was really lucky because I saved match points.” Said Thiem.
“Roger was playing unbelievably on the clay. I’m really happy (with the win).”
On the eve of their clash, Thiem commented that Federer was being underestimated on the clay this week. The Austrian belongs to a prestigious group. Among active players, he is one of only three to have a winning record against the Swiss No.1 after playing him five or more times. Joining Novak Djokovic (25-22) and Rafael Nadal (23-15).
“He’s so special. He is maybe the best player in the history of tennis. He has something different.” Thiem said of his rival. “It is very tough to play against him. It is a beauty how he plays the game and every point against him is a big challenge.”
Playing only his third clay-court match on the tour since June 2016, the 37-year-old got off to a clinical start. Breaking Thiem in his opening service game to the delight of his army of fans in the crowd. From then on the first set was a foregone conclusion thanks to a clinical service display from Federer, who dropped only three points in four service games.
Inveitbally Federer would not have it his own way against somebody of Thiem’s caliber. Who he has previously lost to on grass, hard courts and the clay. The first real test took place six games into the second set. A tentative couple of shots saw him face three break points. However, Federer thwarted the threat by winning five straight points to draw level at 3-3.
With neither player refusing to buckle, it was a dramatic 24-point tiebreak in the second set that would turn the match around in Thiem’s favor. The 25-year-old was forced to fend off two match points as he failed to convert five of his own set points. Sending the Madrid crowd into a frenzy. With both players now playing at their top level, it would be Thiem who would come out on top. A stunning forehand passing shot, followed by a smash at the net on the following point secured him the second set. Improving his all-time record in tie-breaks to 3-0 when playing Federer.
“I was more lucky today (in the tiebreaker). Of course, I tried to play point-by-point, played good in my service games during the second set and tried to build on that.”
With a place in the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 event at stake, the clash resembled a boxing match. Thiem was the first to land a punch in the decider. His blistering shot-making allowed him to dictate the rallies and force Federer to make errors. A combination that aided him to a 3-1 lead in the decider. However, Federer fought back with interest against his opponent to draw level at 4-4. Capitalizing on a backhand mistake from his rival on the break point. Still, Thiem would not be denied as he went on to break once more for a chance to serve the match out. A challenge he passed with the help of Federer backhand drifting long on match point.
“It’s been a good week. Frustrating, clearly. Losing match points is the worst, so that’s how I feel. But nevertheless, if I take a step back, it’s all good.” A frustrated Federer said.
“I feel very good about my game. I thought I had some good matches here, you know, especially last two.” He added.
As Federer ponders if he will play in Rome next week, Thiem will play top seed Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Thiem now leads Federer 4-2 in their head-to-head.
