ATP Finals 2020: Novak Djokovic expects a "tough fight" against Dominic Thiem
Novak Djokovic will meetDominic Thiem in the semifinals of the ATP Finals ( from 3:00 p.m. CET on the Tennisnet ticker ). Especially after the defeat last year, the world number one has been warned about the Austrian who is in "very good shape".
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
Nov 20, 2020, 09:25 pm

The games of a tennis year in which Novak Djokovic does not go into the game as a favorite can usually be counted on one hand. In the semifinals of the ATP Finals, however, there will be exactly such a match, because given the previous performances in London, the Serb against Dominic Thiem is more in the role of the underdog.
Even against Alexander Zverev, the "Djoker" could not really convince, a third round would have been more performance-based than a two-set win. Djokovic was nevertheless satisfied with what was shown after the game, in particular the serve caused problems for Zverev.
Djokovic wants to repeat a quick start
"If I play as well as today and with a high quality, I think that I have a good chance of winning. I just hope that I can start as well as today," said Djokovic in his press conference on the lightning start against Zverev. After just a few minutes, the 17-time Grand Slam winner was 3-0 ahead of the German.
That Thiem starts as nervous as Zverev, but it cannot be assumed despite the defeat against Andrey Rublev . The intensity in the big matches comes naturally, the Austrian explained after the match against the Russian - you could already see that in the victories against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rafael Nadal.
"He is in very good shape. He loves to play on this surface," says Djokovic, who lost to Lichtenwörther last year in the group stage in what was probably the best match of the year in the tie-break of the third set. "That was a thriller," the industry leader remembers the game well.
Thiem wants to "repeat last year's performance"
Since then, Thiem has received another "boost" by winning the US Open: "He has put aside the pressure and expectations. Therefore, I am sure that he will swing more freely and play even better than before. I expect a tough one Struggle."
Thiem himself goes into the encounter with a similar amount of respect. Djokovic is - if in shape - probably the best player on indoor hard courts. Therefore, he will try to "repeat the previous year's performance". Otherwise it will be difficult to achieve a win - even if Novak Djokovic is not the favorite for once.
From 3 p.m. CET you can follow the game in the Tennisnet ticker
o2arena