Final! Dominic Thiem beats Karen Khachanov in Beijing
Dominic Thiem is in the final at the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Beijing. The Austrian number one defeated Karen Khachanov 2: 6, 7: 6 (5) and 7: 5.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Oct 05, 2019, 02:29 pm
Dominic Thiem is still missing a victory for his first triumph on Asian soil: after a brilliant feat against Karen Khachanov, the 26-year-old Lichtenwörther is in the final of the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Beijing. Thiem won 2-6, 7-6 (5) and 7-5.
Khachanov got off to a much better start: While the Russian was able to fend off a breakball in his first and second serve game, Thiem gave up his service to 0-2. The Austrian got the rebreak to 2: 3, which was crucial for a sensational defensive performance at breakball. The fact that the next loss of serve followed immediately took away Thiem's momentum in the first round. Consequently, Khachanov won the set with a break 6-2.
In the second act Thiem had to fight in his service games, but managed the first lead with break to 3: 2. Which he had to give up immediately. In the eighth game Thiem was under pressure again and was able to ward off two break chances. Then the number one of the tournament afforded two very weak moments, Khachanov gave the break to 3: 5. But he immediately returned the gifts. A tie break had to decide. Thiem took the lead 4-2 and made two backhand mistakes. At 5: 5, the Lower Austrian was only two points away from a defeat, kept his nerve. Matching after 1:48 hours of play.
Against Zverev or Tsitsipas
The decision began sobering for Thiem: After a 40:15, he had to give up the first service game. Thiem could not take the chance to rebreak, but Khachanov faltered in the sixth game, Thiem gladly accepted. The decisive break to 7: 5 forced Thiem with the forehand. Dominic Thiem also qualified for the ATP final in London.
In the final on Sunday (1:30 p.m. CEST, live) it is against the winner of the encounter between Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.