Dominic Thiem - Five matches for eternity
Dominic Thiem has given Austrian tennis fans some wonderful matches. And as a reporter, you have often been lucky enough to be there for the big highlights. A very personal selection of the five best matches of Dominic Thiem's career.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: May 07, 2024, 10:10 pm
There is still no official confirmation, but there are increasing indications that Dominic Thiem will end his magnificent career in autumn 2024 at the latest. The now 30-year-old has played 558 official matches on the ATP tour - thanks to modern TV and streaming options, the author has watched at least 90 percent of them live. And very often enjoyed the privilege of experiencing many highlights live. What follows is a completely subjective list of the five best matches that fall into this category...
#5: Erste Bank Open Vienna, 2013: Dominic Thiem vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4:6, 6:3 and 6:7 (3)
Yes, with the exception of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga's box, there was no one in the Vienna Stadthalle who would not have wanted Dominic Thiem to win this match. Thiem was behind, came back - and the roof of the Stadthalle was raised more than once because of the fans' ovations. The beginning of a deep love story between the Austrian audience and the then very young Dominic Thiem.
#4: US Open, 2018: Dominic Thiem vs. Rafael Nadal 6:0, 4:6, 5:7, 7:6 (4), 6:7 (5)
It was a defeat, but what a performance from both players that lasted until the early hours of the morning. That first set from Thiem: perfection. After that, Nadal just did Nadal things - and Dominic Thiem held his own. Anyone who stayed in Arthur Ashe Stadium until the end didn't regret a second. It's a shame from Thiem's point of view that a not impossible smash into the out ended this Instant Classic.
#3: ATP Finals, 2019: Dominic Thiem vs. Novak Djokovic 6:7 (5), 6:3, 7:6 (5)
With all the love for Turin, the ATP Finals in the O2 Arena in London had that little extra. And the way Dominic Thiem stood in the way of the dominant Novak Djokovic with a matter-of-factness, with a lot of power and with physical presence not quite five years ago - that was simply fantastic.
#2: Roland Garros, 2019: Dominic Thiem vs. Novak Djokovic 6:2, 3;6, 7:5, 5:7, 7:5
If you remember, the conditions in Paris were not great. The wind almost played the main role, but Thiem and Djokovic still gave it their all. Especially from the third set onwards.
#1: US Open, 2020: Dominic Thiem vs. Alexander Zverev 2:6, 4:6, 6:4, 6:3, 7:6 (6)
No, that's a lie. Because at that time neither fans nor journalists were officially allowed in Arthur Ashe Stadium. But watching live on TV had to be approved as an exception. Above all because of the course of the match: Zverev was untouchable for one and a half sets, then Thiem brought the momentum to his side, made up a deficit in the fifth set. And then, as the player with the stronger nerves, he finally won his first major trophy.