Davis Cup: 1-0 - Dominic Thiem scores compulsory point for Austria in Finland
As expected, Dominic Thiem led Austria to the Davis Cup relegation game in Finland. The 26-year-old fifth in the world rankings defeated Patrik Niklas-Salminen 6: 3 and 6: 4.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Sep 13, 2019, 09:34 pm
Patrik Niklas-Salminen does not have to be accused of lacking courage to take risks: The number 551 repeatedly sought the way to the world, no wonder, Niklas-Salminen is significantly more successful in doubles than as a solo artist. And as the match continued, the 22-year-old from Tampere also got in better and better shape - but Dominic Thiem won the last point of the opening game. Austria lead 1-0 after 6: 3 and 6: 4.
The match started as expected, Thiem immediately took his opponent's first service game. It was supposed to be the last break until late in the second set, but this had no consequences for Dominic Thiem - after all, the favorite did not have to give up his service once. He said his first match in a long time had been in the hall, Thiem explained after the match, so he had problems finding his rhythm. And his opponent served well, it didn't make things easier.
In the second individual Sebastian Ofner had to stand in for the sick Dennis Novak on the Austrian side. Ofner meets Finnish number one Emil Ruusuvuori, who is ranked two places behind him in the world rankings.