Australian Open 2021: Dominic Thiem wins after monster comeback against Nick Kyrgios in five sets
Dominic Thiem and Nick Kyrgios fought a great duel in the third round of the Australian Open 2021. In the end, after a 2-0 set deficit, the Austrian was ahead with 4: 6, 4: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 and 6: 4. Here is the live ticker to read.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Feb 12, 2021, 12:41 pm
Shortly before the shutters go down in Melbourne for at least five days, the spectators at the Australian Open were able to attend another atmospheric highlight: the third-round match between local hero Nick Kyrgios and Dominic Thiem.
The experts agreed that a good start is important for Dominic Thiem. Well, Kyrgios knew that too and immediately started with a break. Much to the delight of the fans, whom the local hero also animated at the first change of sides. Kyrgios was able to maintain this energy level, after 37 minutes he finished the first set with a forehand volley to make it 6: 4. A rate of 77 percent of the first serves helped.
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Thiem manages the first break in set three
In the third game of round two, Thiem again had to fend off a break chance, the backhand longline saved him from an early deficit. It came in the ninth game, however, when Kyrgios used his third set ball. With a surcharge from below. 4: 6, 4: 6 after 79 minutes from Thiem's point of view.
At the beginning of the third set, Thiem finally managed the first break in the match. He moved to 4: 1, but Kyrgios on the other hand couldn't quite keep his level. Thiem served confidently, got his first set of the evening after a playing time of 1:52 hours with 6: 3.
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Set four began with a close service game from Kyrgios, Thiem had his chances of an early break. The Austrian won his service games more safely than his opponent. Which, in contrast to the initial phase, began to quarrel with himself. And Thiem presented two break chances at the score of 4: 4. And equalized with two strong serves and a volley. Dominic Thiem knew how to use the third option with a forehand passing ball. Lo and behold: set compensation after 2:41 hours of play.
In the last sixteen against Kyrgios
In the decision, Kyrgios started again with new energy. And was only briefly irritated by referee Damien Dumusois' somewhat more offensive game management. In the seventh game, Thiem then pulled a full backhand cross - and came to the first breakball of the set. Kyrgios fended off. But continued to wobble. And Dominic Thiem showed his fist in the direction of his box for the first time after more than three hours of play and the 4: 3.
Grigor Dimitrov is now waiting in the round of 16. The Bulgarian was only half an hour on the pitch against Pablo Carreno Busta. Then the Spaniard had to give up due to an abdominal muscle injury. Starting on Saturday, Melbourne will be played for at least five days without fans.
Here is the live ticker to read.
Here is the individual tableau at the Australian Open
laver arena