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Dominic Thiem will contest his fourth career Grand Slam final on Sunday at the US Open (starting at 10pm on the LIVE ticker) after Paris (2018, 2019) and Melbourne (2020).
But for the first time, the 27-year-old from Lower Austria will reach the final as a favorite.
While he had to face the great Dominator in his living room at the French Open against Rafael Nadal and at the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic, the heads-up against Alexander Zverev with 7: 2 speaks clear language.
LAOLA1 Take a look at the nine matches leading up to the 10th match:
April 30, 2016: Munich, semi-finals – 4: 6, 6: 2, 6: 3
The first duel between Thiem and Zverev took place on German soil and a layer of sand. The German secured the first set with a risky game from the baseline. Then Thiem brought more variability to the game and his opponent was thrown off balance. “It was a good match for both of us and it was definitely not the last. I hope there is a good rivalry and I am happy to have won the first of many, “Thiem said after the match. A prophecy that would come true.
May 21, 2016: Nice, final – 6: 4, 3: 6, 6: 0
The second duel was also for Thiem, also on clay. After breaking into the final with only 13 games presented, the Lichtenwörther was challenged for the first time in the final. In the third sentence, however, the previously harsh resistance of the then very inexperienced German was broken. For Thiem it was the first title defense of his career.
May 28, 2016: French Open, 3. Runde – 6: 7, 6: 3, 6: 3, 6: 3
Just a week later, Thiem and Zverev met again at Roland Garros, for the third time in a month. And this time, too, the Austrian passed the court to Suzanne Lenglen as the winner despite losing the first set. “The difference between the two of us today was probably that I am only three years older,” said Thiem, who was able to successfully draw on her experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PCay6dzwLo
October 4, 2016: Beijing, first round – 6-4, 1-6, 3-6
For the first time, Thiem and Zverev met in Beijing on the ATP circuit on a hard court. And for the first time the German left the field as the winner. At that time, however, Zverev traveled to the Chinese metropolis with a broad chest. Just a week before that, he won the first ATP title of his career in St. Petersburg. In addition, the fast surface of Beijing was very beneficial for the game of the German.
February 15, 2017: Rotterdam, first round – 3: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4
A few months later, the first indoor duel between the two rivals followed. This time Thiem managed to get revenge on Beijing and his first hard court success. Zverev came back as the winner of the newly crowned tournament (Montpellier). But Thiem had a much better day than his opponent when serving.
May 13, 2018: Madrid, Final – 4: 6, 4: 6
The second loss against Zverev was undoubtedly the most painful for Thiem so far. The German triumphed in the final of the Madrid ATP 1000 tournament, of all places, and was able to prevent Thiem from winning his first 1000. Also this time, the strong serve from Zverev, which is particularly uncomfortable to return to high altitude in Madrid, it turned out to be decisive.
June 5, 2018: French Open, quarter-finals – 6: 4, 6: 2, 6: 1
A month later, he was practically in Dominic Thiem’s living room to get revenge. On the track in Chatrier, the Austrian from Lower Austria missed nothing on the way to his first Grand Slam final. He left his opponent with only seven games, the clearest victory Thiem has yet over his German rival, who at that time also had to fight with thigh problems. “I could barely move, I could barely serve,” Zverev complained after the game.
November 16, 2019: ATP Finals, Semifinals – 7: 5, 6: 3
Even in the next game, Thiem did not lose a set: at London’s O2 Arena, Lichtenwörther dethroned the defending champion at the time thanks to a particularly strong performance. Thiem had to struggle with his first serve, especially in the first set. However, at the important points, the ÖTV-Daviscupper proved to be nervous. “I just didn’t take my chances,” Zverev said.
January 31, 2020: Australian Open, semi-finals – 3: 6, 6: 4, 7: 6, 7: 6
After a rather messy first sentence, Thiem is getting better and better at the Down Under game. With the roof closed, Lower Austria usually took over, especially during the longer rallies. Even a headlight failure and stomach cramps in the third set did not distract Thiem from concentration. In addition, Zverev made more and more unforced errors at big points.
Text as: © LAOLA1.at
Thiem after Medvedev: “It was one of my best matches!”
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