Russia’s 11-year wait for an ATP Finals champion has ended after Daniil Medvedev staged a marathon comeback to defeat Dominic Thiem and win the biggest title of his career to date.
The world No.4 was on the verge of losing in straight sets before fighting back to prevail 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4, in what was a thrilling encounter at The O2. Emulating his clash with Rafael Nadal that took place on the previous day, Medvedev refused to back down as he eventually wore down Thiem both mentally and physically. Hitting a total of 37 winners to 28 unforced errors and saving three out of the four break points he faced.
“What a match. This was maybe one of my best victories. I mean, two hours and 42 minutes, three sets against an amazing player like Dominic,” Medvedev said during the trophy ceremony.
“Dominic, congratulations already for what you have achieved in your career. I think your name is already in the history books,” he added.
In what was a repeat of this year’s US Open semi-final, Medvedev proved troublesome for Thiem from the onset. Two games into the match he was forced to save two break points during a marathon 10-minute opening service game. There was little to distinguish between the two players until a lacklustre service game from Medvedev three games later. Trailing 0-40, Thiem clinched five points in a row to get the crucial break for 3-2. Prompting his rival, who hit a double fault whilst facing a break point, to drop his head in frustration. Continuing to weather the storm, the world No.3 carefully manoeuvred his way to clinching the opener. Doing so with a stroke of luck after a shot from the Austrian brushed the top of the net before flying past his rival. Prompting laughter from both men as they walked to their seats.
As the two engaged in some gut-busting baseline rallies, Thiem continued to pile the pressure but struggled to get the desired breakthrough. At 3-3 in the second set he had a duo of break point opportunities but was unable to convert. Triggering an uncharacteristic outburst of sheer anger from Thiem.
Medvedev’s resistance eventually paid off after almost two hours of battling when he turned his fortunes around in a crucial tiebreaker. After going down a mini break, out of nowhere he won seven straight points to force proceedings into a decider. Applying pressure onto Thiem, Medvedev benefitted from three consecutive unforced errors before sealing the tiebreaker with an ace.
The match was very much like a boxing bout with both players dealing blows to the other. Three games into the decider, Thiem was in danger of getting broken as a series of errors saw him fall behind 0-40. Despite the blips, he regained composure to hold and nudge ahead 2-1. However, Medvedev launched another offensive two games later and this time he changed the dynamic of the match completely. A volley at the net saw him break Thiem for the very first time to move ahead 3-2.
Medvedev’s sole breakthrough was enough to see him over the line. Approaching the closing stages of the marathon clash, he worked his way to championship point after a Thiem shot landed just centimetres beyond the baseline. Then victory was his after a 132 mph serve out wide forced his rival to return the ball into the net.
“Life in the bubble is not easy for anybody but I think we manage it quite good. It’s a fun time and of course I am happy with my last two tournaments,” Medvedev commented on a season which has been marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m thankful for everything that has happened here. Even though many players have said it is not perfect, it is a really tough job to do tournaments nowadays.”
Runner-up Thiem is left waiting another year to win the tournament for the first time. Twelve months ago, he also reached the final before losing in three sets to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
“I’m disappointed but at the same time I am proud of my performance throughout the week,” he commented.
“Daniil really deserved it (the title). It was an amazing match and congratulations to you for another amazing year in general.’
“I hope that we will have many great matches to come and today was a pleasure even though I lost.”
Sunday’s showdown also marked the end of London’s reign of hosting the season-ending extravaganza since 2009. During that period the event has welcomed 2,803,967 fans to the event. Although this year’s edition took place behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2021 the ATP Finals will be played in Turin to make it the first time the competition has ever been held on Italian soil.
“I always said before this tournament that it would be an amazing story if here in London the first champion would be Russian and so would the last,” Medvedev said.
“I have a lot of thanks to (2009 champion) Nikolay Davydenko for being an inspiration for many kids, such as me, by winning here and I hope to continue to do his job.”
Medvedev is the fifth different player to have won the ATP Finals within as many years.