ATP Finals London: Thiem and Djokovic take the latch in their hands
Dominic Thiem got together with Brother Moritz to meet Novak Djokovic on Tuesday (9pm, live on Sky, in Austria on ServusTV and in our live ticker).
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Nov 11, 2019, 08:04 pm
By Jens Huiber from London
What Goran Ivanisevic saw on Monday at the Practice Court 1 at London's O2 Arena on Monday between the ages of 15 and 16 was not lost on all other observers (such as Dirk Hordorff, Vice President of the German Tennis Association): a very good-humored team Thiem in which the older brother Dominic with the younger Moritz nailed the balls over the net, preferably with the forehand and cross. Under the guidance of father Wolfgang and coach Nicolas Massu, who joined Moritz twice this year at the Generali Open in Kitzbühel.
The question was rather how Ivanisevic, Wimbledon winner of 2001 and since the middle of the year part of the coaching staff of Novak Djokovic, interpreted the seen. Or whether it was simply a matter of signaling through his presence: we take you very, very seriously. Anyway, Djokovic was at work before Thiem, he was practicing with Holger Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune, who had won the junior at the French Open this year.
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Thiem praises the legends
Djokovic had already put his respect for Thiem after the win against Matteo Berrettini the press. "We do not have to talk about the quality of Dominic," said Djokovic. "The quality is great. His dedication and his professionalism and his attitude to work are fantastic. And he is a really nice guy. There is only positive things to say about him. "
Conversely, Dominic Thiem will not see it otherwise. Already in Paris, the Austrian had raved before the semi-finals of it, to be able to complement the three legends Nadal, Federer and Djokovic quasi. The fact that he then Djokovic in an epic two-day match under adverse conditions even taken out of the competition, hurt the Serbs very much. Djokovic has won two Grand Slam tournaments this year, and defeated Stan Wawrinka in New York when he lost to Belgrade. In contrast, in the early summer in Roland Garros, there were no excuses. Except perhaps the external circumstances that necessitated a break on Friday. And ultimately ensured that Thiem in the final against Rafael Nadal was no longer at the height of his creative power.
Djokovic was in a hurry against Berrettini
Thiem did not want to use the meeting in Paris as a reference. Rather, he will look at the match that Djokovic had delivered against Berrettini. The good news: Dominic Thiem will not need a long time, the world rankings second could make ready for the winner's interview after 63 minutes of playing time.
And for his part, maybe listen to that of Thiem after the 7: 5 and 7: 5 against Roger Federer. Whoever is asked to the microphone on Tuesday evening: He should already have his place in the semi-finals on Saturday.