Paul-Henri Mathieu: 'Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic lose to..'

The 27-year-old Dominic Thiem will finish the season inside the top-3 for the first time in a career. Dominic claimed only one ATP title in 2020, although it was the most desired one, as he became a Major champion at the US Open, backed by more notable results on the biggest stage. Thiem kicked off the season with the Australian Open final, forging two sets to one advantage against Novak Djokovic before falling in five sets, staying empty-handed in his third Major title match. Dominic fixed that at the US Open, playing on a high level to secure another Major final, facing Alexander Zverev on the other side of the net. Carried by a thrilling semi-final triumph over Pablo Carreno Busta, Zverev stormed over Thiem in the opening two sets, taking them in 80 minutes and looking good to become a Major winner before the Austrian. Thiem had other plans, though, raising his level and taking sets three and four to force a decider.

There, Alexander served for the victory, only to blow his chance and propel Dominic towards the trophy in the deciding tie break. After more than five hours, Diego Schwartzman ousted Thiem in an epic Roland Garros quarter-final, preventing the Austrian from chasing another Major trophy.

Dominic Thiem has scored 16 wins against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic combined.

Dominic finished the season at the ATP Finals, beating Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in tight encounters to add more fuel to his already impressive season, becoming the fourth player with at least 16 triumphs against Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. Like in 2019, Thiem failed to win the ATP Finals, losing a tight title match to Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 and taking a well-deserved rest ahead of the pre-season training. Paul-Henri Mathieu praised the Austrian, calling him the most consistent players against the 'Big 3' in recent years and admiring his ability to always produce a high tennis level.

"The gap at the top is narrowing. Playing against Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic regularly offers a chance to Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev to raise their level. The 'Big 3' have done that in the past, pushing each other to the limits and towards constant improvements. Dominic Thiem is among the players to beat at the moment, especially after winning the US Open crown. He has a positive score against the greatest rivals in the last couple of years, playing on a high level at every tournament. Also, Thiem's victories over Djokovic, Nadal and Federer give hope for those behind him to follow that pass and try doing the same; they face them with more confidence than in the past. The youngsters are ready to step on the court and show their best tennis against the legends," Paul-Henri Mathieu said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2KHRyq5