Indian Wells men's final preview: Federer will face Thiem to shine again
Roger Federer will challenge Dominic Thiem for the men's title of Indian Wells 2019. The much-awaited semi-final of the Swiss against Nadal was not played, to the disappointment of the crowd and the fans, for the physical problems of the Spaniard.
There is no doubt that Federer is the favorite for the final victory, and for several factors. Experience at this level is fundamental, and Federer has already won five editions of this event. In addition, the Swiss will reach the final fresh and rested, not having played the semifinal against Nadal.
He, after the victory in Dubai and the 100th career title, found again, after some months of ups and downs, physical and psychological shape, presenting himself to this final in the best psycho-physical conditions. the playing surface adapts perfectly to his playing style.
Thiem, who lived up to now 2019 below expectations, will play his third final in an ATP Masters 1000, the first on hard courts after the two played and lost on Madrid's clay courts in 2017 and 2018. The Austrian will present himself to this final strong of an excellent tournament played, definitely the best of his season, until now.
Physically in shape, Thiem will have to contend with an opponent who, on this surface, always expresses great tennis. And, moreover, he will have to impose himself against a destiny that always saw him as a loser in the Masters 1000 and Slam finals he played.
On his way to the final, Thiem eliminated opponents like Gilles Simon, Ivo Karlovic, Gael Monfils and Milos Raonic. Federer eliminated rivals such as Stan Wawrinka, Kyle Edmund and Hurkacz, also taking advantage of Nadal's semi-final withdrawal.
For the first time in their career, Federer and Thiem will play a final of an ATP tournament: their previous challenges have always occurred in the previous tournament rounds. In the head-to-head there is a great balance; in fact, the two players are on the score of 2-2. Federer won the two meetings on hard courts, in Brisbane in 2016 and the latest ATP Finals. Thiem won in 2016 in Rome and in the same year on the grass of Stuttgart.
In his career, the Swiss won 100 titles, including 20 Slams and 27 ATP Masters 1000 and a total of 69 titles on hard courts. Thiem won 11 titles in 18 finals played, including the one lost in 2018 at the French Open against Nadal.
ATP Indian Wells men's singles final - Percentages:
Roger Federer 55% Dominic Thiem 45%
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2TcdUib
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