LONDON: Dominic Thiem has got off to a dream start at the ATP Finals after downing a lackluster Roger Federer in straight sets.
The two-time French Open finalist held his nerve throughout what was a tense encounter as he prevailed 7-5, 7-5. Hitting 21 winners alongside 22 unforced errors. Moving him into second place in the group behind Novak Djokovic, who dropped just three games against Matteo Berrettini earlier in the day.
“It’s overwhelming every single time to enter this Arena. Especially if it is completely packed like that.” Thiem commented on the 17,800 capacity arena.
“I think we had a good and close match. Of course, it is always special to beat Roger as he is an absolute legend. I love to play against him and learn a lot.”
26-year-old Thiem belongs to a very exclusive club when it comes to taking on the 20-time grand slam champion. He is one of only five players to have a winning record against Federer (5-2) after playing six or more matches. Joining the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Both of their previous meetings in 2019 saw Thiem rally back from a set down to win.
This time around it was slightly different at The O2 Arena. A rollercoaster opener saw Federer at his best and worst as he struggled at times with his service consistency. An erratic start from the Swiss player enabled Thiem to open up a 2-0 lead before proceedings were level again. With little disparity between the two on the court, the slightest errors proved problematic to their winning chances. Eventually, it was six-time champion Federer who buckled at the worst moment. Serving at 5-5, a couple of loose shots from him enabled Thiem to break once again and this time have a chance to serve the set out. A mission he achieved with the help of a Federer backhand drifting wide on set point.
Despite securing the breakthrough he seeks, Thiem was denied the luxury of running away with the match. In a case of deja vu the second frame was once again a cat and mouse chase. However, the Austrian continued to maintain the momentum thanks to his emphatic defensive play that drew frustration from the world No.3.
It was a rare case of lightning striking twice on Sunday evening. At the exact same stage as the opening set, a dismal Federer service game featuring a series of errors enabled Thiem to break and move a game away from victory. Closing out the match was by no means an easy task as he saved two break points. Nevertheless, he clinched the scalp with the help of a serve out wide.
“It’s amazing to play against maybe the best player of all time. A real legend.” Thiem said in tribute to Federer. “Luckily I have a pretty good record against him and I try to stay positive every time I play him.”
“The game where I have to serve it (the match) out is always a struggle. You don’t get any presents from him. He will put every return in, play the rallies and of course it was a little due to nerves too.” He added.
Thiem’s win means Federer now faces two crucial matches in order to qualify for the semi-finals. One of those being against Djokovic. Federer last failed to progress out of the round-robin stages more than a decade ago in 2008. Excluding the 2016 edition, he missed due to injury.
“It’s a normal tournament from here on forward.” The visibly disappointed 38-year-old declared during his press conference. “I’m not allowed to lose anymore (in the tournament). That’s how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint, there is nothing new there.”
Federer also lost his opening match at the ATP Finals 12 months ago to Kei Nishikori.
