2020 in Review: Dominic Thiem overpowers Daniil Medvedev to reach title clash

World no. 3 Dominic Thiem advanced to his fourth Major final and the first in New York, ousting the last year's finalist Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 7-6, 7-6 after two hours and 55 minutes. The Austrian had the upper hand when it mattered the most, prevailing in straight sets and becoming the sixth active player with four Major finals after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. With Alexander Zverev winning the first semi-final, the US Open guaranteed the first Major champion born in the 90s, ending the streak of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. Also, Dominic was trying to avoid a 0-4 score in the first four Major finals, reserved only for Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic and Andy Murray. Medvedev hadn't lost a set before this clash, beating all rivals in straight sets and failing to secure at least one against the Austrian, although he served for sets two and three, making his loss even more harder to take.

Thiem delivered more efficient numbers behind the second serve, defending six out of eight break chances and stealing Medvedev's serve four times, twice in the opener. Daniil had more winners thanks to the final set, but it wasn't enough to keep him safe, spraying too many errors as he couldn't find the way to penetrate the rival and find an open court. Trailing 5-3 in both sets, the Austrian kept his composure to erase the deficit and reach tie breaks, claiming them both to take another big step towards the title. The Russian hit 13 unforced errors in the opener, feeling uncomfortable in the baseline rallies against the mighty opponent who produced four commanding service games.

Dominic Thiem took down Daniil Medvedev in three sets for the US Open final.

Medvedev got broken after a controversy with the umpire in the sixth game, sending a forehand wide in game eight to suffer another break and hand the set to Thiem. The numbers were not much better for the Russian in set number two, but he did enough to break at 15 in the first game and settle into a smooth rhythm, serving for the set at 5-4.

Thiem broke back when Medvedev netted a forehand, leveling the score at 5-5 and fending off no less than five break chances in game 11 to avoid another setback. The Austrian saved a set point at 5-6 in the tie break with a service winner, earned a mini-break at 7-7 and forced Daniil's error to grab the set and open a massive advantage. From 13 winners in the opening two sets combined, Medvedev collected 16 in the third, having to play with more aggression and change things on the court. He broke in the second game to open a 5-2 gap, served for the set at 5-4 and squandered a set point to allow a break of serve for Thiem and more drama. Dominic had the momentum on his side, taking the breaker 7-5 when Daniil netted a forehand to seal the deal and set the title clash against Alexander Zverev.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3nV5sEc