Dominic Thiem First Through To ATP Finals Semis After Epic Win Over Djokovic

LONDON: Dominic Thiem has become the first Austrian player in history to reach the semi-final stage at the ATP Finals after fighting back against world No.2 Novak Djokovic in a classic encounter.

In what was an enthralling nighttime clash, the world No.4 produced some of his best play to recover from a set down to prevail 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(4), over the second seed after more than two-and-a-half hours of pulsating play. A turnaround from three years ago in the same tournament when it was Djokovic who won after losing the opening tiebreaker. This time around Thiem prevailed with the help of 50 winners. 32 of those coming from his forehand side.

“This was one of the most special matches. It is what I have practiced all of my life for.” Thiem said during his on-court interview. “It’s a really big one (win) in front of an amazing atmosphere against a real legend of our game. So I couldn’t be happier. Also, I qualified for the semifinals which is the best.”

Thiem has been a player of nightmares for the world No.2 in recent months. Despite trailing their head-to-head (3-6), the Austrian had won three out of their four most recent meetings. Including a clash at a windy French Open back in June. Once again Djokovic struggled to tame his rival during what was a rollercoaster opener at The O2 Arena

It was the six-time champion who struck first after breaking for a 3-1 lead. However, that advantage swiftly disappeared due to an emphatic response from Thiem in the following game as he fought back to draw level. The cat and mouse chase between the two continued as both players refused to buckle as they each won their mini battles on the court. Paving way for a tiebreak.

In an encounter of fine margins, it would be one single shot that proved fatal to Thiem. At 5-5 in the tiebreaker, a forehand sailed long to hand his Serbian nemesis set point. An opportunity Djokovic seized with the help of a 123 mph serve to end what was 65 minutes of pulsating play from the two. Handing him his ninth consecutive tiebreak win on the ATP Tour since Wimbledon.

The comeback

Despite the blunder, Thiem continued to antagonize Djokovic in the match. Breaking straight away in the second set en route to a 3-0 advantage. Much to the bemusement of the 16-time grand slam champion, who made numerous glares of frustration towards his camp. There was no let-up in the Thiem comeback as he rallied to level the match a set apiece.

The fightback continued to draw admiration from the London crowd. In the decider, it was another blistering forehand from Thiem that broke the Djokovic serve right away. As cries of anger continued to erupt from the five-time champion, the exchanges of breaks continued. Thiem’s first chance of serving the match out at 6-5 ended in disaster after he hit an array of errors. Nevertheless, he refused to go away. Fighting back from a 1-4 deficit in the decisive tiebreaker to stun Djokovic. Prompting the 26-year-old to drop to the floor out of sheer jubilation and exhaustion.

“I was in the zone from the first point on. Even when I served for the match, 6-5 in the third set, I was playing obviously the best returner in the game.” Assessed Thiem. “I didn’t worry too much and I was focusing on the tiebreak. Coming back from 1-4 was also a little bit of luck but in general, it was unbelievable. A match I would never forget.” He added.

Djokovic now faces a showdown against Roger Federer if he wishes to reach the last four of the tournament. The last time he failed to progress beyond the round-robin stages was back in 2011. Excluding the 2016 edition, he missed due to injury. Visibly disappointed with the outcome of his match afterward, he still paid tribute to his rival.

“He was unbelievable, and in some stages, it was just incredible that he was just literally smacking the ball as hard as he can and he was going in.” He said of Thiem.
“This today was unbelievable. But whether he can keep that up every match, if he does, chapeau There is not much you can say. For sure, he’s playing great tennis.”

As a result of the latest match, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini cannot progress beyond the round-robin stage and will finish bottom in the group.

Standings after two matches