Dominic Thiem compares Daniil Medvedev to Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in one aspect

World No. 3 Dominic Thiem admits he is still missing fans at this year's US Open but he has gotten used to playing without fans after five matches and he should be fine when he steps on the court for a semifinal showdown against Daniil Medvedev.

Thiem, seeded at No. 2, demolished rising Australian star Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-2 6-4 to make his maiden US Open semifinal and set up a blockbuster clash against No. 3 seed Medvedev. 

Thiem, a two-time French Open runner-up, is aiming to win his maiden Grand Slam title and he performed at a high level throughout the whole de Minaur clash.

"It's not easy mentally to keep all the time the 100% energy," Thiem told reporters on video conference, per Eurosport. "Everything else I (have) got used to.

"But there are some situations in every match basically where it would be nice to have the crowd just to keep the energy up, just to celebrate great points, that it doesn't feel that bad if you (are) going through a tough period.

"That was not easy to get used to. But it's an unique situation. Now I'm in the semis, it was my fifth match today so I got used to it. (But) there's still situations where it's difficult or where the energy of the crowd would help."

Thiem speaks highly of Medvedev 

Medvedev saw off No. 10 seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets 7-6 (6) 6-3 7-6 (5) to make back-to-back US Open semifinals. 

Last year, Medvedev made his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open, in which he recovered from two sets down before Rafael Nadal won the fifth set to claim the title. 

At this year's US Open, Medvedev has been outstanding as he hasn't dropped a set in five matches played at the tournament played so far. 

Thiem believes Medvedev is the player for the big stage and he expects a tough clash when they meet.

"I would say that he comes very close to the big three players in terms that he can play his top level, for doesn't matter how long," Thiem said of Medvedev ahead of their clash.

"That's going to be really, really difficult. But I'm looking forward to that one. I think it's going to be a big stage, even if it's without fans. It's going to be a great semi-final."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Rj0pyM