ATP Finals London: Thiem after beating Djokovic in the semifinals
Dominic Thiem has also won his second match at the ATP Finals in London. The Austrian number one defeated Novak Djokovic with 6: 7 (5), 6: 3 and 7: 6 (5) - and qualified for the first time for the semi-finals of the season finale tournament.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Nov 13, 2019, 12:10 am
Premiere for Dominic Thiem: Following his convincing opening win against Roger Federer, Austrian number one also prevailed against Novak Djokovic with a fantastic performance - making it into the semifinals of the ATP World Championship for the first time in their fourth attempt. Thiem defeated Djokovic in the tenth duel for the fourth time, winning 6: 7 (5), 6: 3 and 7: 6 (5).
Djokovic got off to a better start in the second single match of this Tuesday, taking the break to 3-1. Thiem countered immediately. The 26-year-old's best-in-class, backhand down the line, repeatedly hit the field for the five-time ATP World Champion. Nevertheless, it was Djokovic, who could still play break chances until the tiebreak. Thiem, however, fended off. Just as he did not let up in the short decision, the arrears repeatedly compensated, most recently after a brilliant rally to 5: 5. But then the Austrians got a forehand too long, Djokovic use his first set ball after 66 minutes of play time.
Thiem starts with breaks
Now Thiem started the serve - and used a few weak seconds of his opponent to the 2-0 lead, which he defended again and again. Only in the fifth game Thiem had minor problems, he won the set 6: 3. Without a single break chance allowed. Regardless of the final result, an important interim success for the five-time tournament winner in 2019: Because it was clear that he would definitely move into the semi-finals in a victory against Matteo Berrettini on Thursday.
Thiem took a short break, opened the third set with a hammer return. Djokovic countered with incredible defensive, fired himself and the audience. Nevertheless, the Serb could not prevent two break chances for his opponent. Thiem made the break with a forehand pass ball clear. But Novak Djokovic would not have come to his 16 Grand Slam titles if he did not know how to react in such situations. Three options worked out the world ranking second for immediate compensation, Thiem stopped it.
Djokovic makes two comebacks
In the sixth game Djokovic blew again to counterattack - Thiem helped with three errors to 15:40. Djokovic took advantage of the first chance to 3: 3. At the score of 5: 4 Djokovic already thought of a match point, the Hawkeye decided in favor of the Austrian. He organized three breakballs at 5: 5 - and immediately turned the lead into the lead. However, Djokovic did not want to know how to finish the match that quickly - and once again came to a 15:40. After Thiem's backhand mistake, the third set in the tiebreak had to be decided. And there, especially in the early stages, the volley became Thiem's doom.
In 4-2 for Djokovic the sides were changed, Thiem shortened with an ace, the backhand punch brought the balance, the forehand shot the minibreak to 5: 4. The smash on the line cost all Thiem fans nerves, but brought two match balls. A Hawkeye millimeter was missing to the ace to the match win. Djokovic came in at 5: 6. Djokovic's forehand into the net sealed the Austrian's victory.
Thiem moved into the semifinals - and guaranteed the audience in London on Thursday, a final. Because the second semi-finalist of this group is determined in a direct duel between Djokovic and Roger Federer.