ATP Masters Madrid: semi-finals! Dominic Thiem beats knocking out machine John Isner
Dominic Thiem has reached the semifinals at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid. The Austrian defeated John Isner 3: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 4.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 07, 2021, 03:06 pm
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Yes, of course John Isner benefits like no other player from the penetration of his serve. But if the US-American feels himself, he can immerse Isner properly from the baseline. Like in his quarter-finals against Dominic Thiem at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid. 15: 2 winning strokes showed the balance after the first set in favor of Isner, who chose a very offensive position in the rallies. And repeatedly confronted his opponent with problems.
Nevertheless, the break that was decisive for the first set did not come about without the help of Thiem, who immediately lost his first service game. In his round of 16 success against Andrey Rublev, Isner could not generate a single break opportunity - but that did not change the fact that the 2.08-meter giant won the tie breaks in the first and third set. Before that, Roberto Bautista Agut and Miomir Kecmanovic were desperate about John Isner.
In the semifinals against Zverev or Nadal
In the second set, Thiem had to free himself from a 15:40 hole when the score was 2: 2, fended off another break opportunity, and was unable to use several chances to win the game. And after just under an hour of play, they still made it 3-2. The reward for the Austrian was immediate: Thiem got his first breakballs with two strong returns, making it 4: 2. After 73 minutes, Dominic Thiem had managed to equalize the set.
In the decision, Thiem found a chance in Isner's first service game, the inside-in-forehand return just went out of bounds. Thiem fought for the next opportunities in the tenth game - and actually made it 5: 4 after a terrific defensive rally. Nicolas Massu, Alex Stober and brother Moritz celebrated accordingly in the Thiem-Box. And Thiem served safely, making it the fourth time in the semi-finals of Madrid.
In the semifinals on Saturday, the winner of the game between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev is now waiting. Nadal is the record winner in Madrid, but Zverev has already succeeded in the Spanish capital in 2018. And won the last two matches against Nadal.
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