Thiem's 7: Thiem beats Struff, takes Rublev with us in the semifinals
Dominic Thiem beat Jan-Lennard Struff6-4 and 7-6 (3) in Kitzbühel on Thursday, securing Andrey Rublev a place in the semi-finals. The host had already qualified after his second group win over Rublev.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jul 09, 2020, 05:36 pm
On Saturday, Dominic Thiem and Jan-Lennard Struff trained together on the center court, under the guidance of Wolfgang Thiem and Carsten Arriens Drills. But also exchanged ideas, for example about material issues. On the last day of the group stage, the game of tennis between Thiem and Struff returned a bit, with more at stake for the German: Struff knew that he needed a win to enter the Friday semi-finals at the Thiem's 7 invitation tournament.
And this victory was denied to the German number two: Dominic Thiem won 6: 4 and 7: 6 (3) and entered the semi-finals unbeaten.
The first set was balanced until the tenth game, then Thiem got the break for 6: 4. The local hero, who had already qualified for the preliminary round, also had two good chances to summon a decision in the round, but missed two at 3: 2 and another break at 4: 3. Struff kept fighting back, making it into the tie-break.
Thiem wins the second set in the tie-break
In the quick decision, Thiem managed an early mini break to make it 2-1, and the side changed at 4-2 for the Austrian. The serve went up to 6: 3 for Thiem, the first match ball was already in place: Struff's backhand sailed out.
In the first match of the day, Andrey Rublev prevailed against youngsters Casper Ruud 6: 2, 3: 6 and 10: 4. The Russian created the conditions for the semi-finals, where he will meet Matteo Berrettini. Dominic Thiem is dealing with Roberto Bautista Agut.