Thiem ‘in the zone’ during unforgettable Djokovic win
After edging Novak Djokovic in an ATP Finals thriller, Dominic Thiem revelled in his victory.
Dominic Thiem said he was “in the zone” during his thrilling ATP Finals win over Novak Djokovic on Tuesday.
The Austrian booked his spot in the semi-finals in London by overcoming Djokovic 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-5) at the O2 Arena.
Thiem, who beat Roger Federer in Group Bjorn Borg on Sunday, said it was an unforgettable performance.
“I was in the zone from the first point on,” he said in an on-court interview.
“I served for the match at 6-5 in the third set, but obviously I was playing the best returner in the game so I didn’t worry too much, I was focusing on the tie-break and coming back from 4-1, a little bit of luck here and there.
“But, in general, it was just unbelievable and a match that I will probably never forget.”
Thiem hit 51 winners during his win, coming from 4-1 down in the third-set tie-break to edge past Djokovic.
London, you’ve just witnessed a CLASSIC.@ThiemDomi defeats Djokovic 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-6(5) to book his spot in the #NittoATPFinals final four
: @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/34arwXNxRG
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 12, 2019
The 26-year-old was delighted with his performance and said it was the level required to beat the 16-time grand slam champion.
“This was really one of these very special matches that I practised all my life for, what I practised all my childhood for, a really epic one in front of an amazing atmosphere, beating a real legend of our game,” Thiem said.
“I couldn’t be happier and also I qualified for the semi-finals which is the best.”
He added: “I was playing Novak, who is in great shape, who is probably the best player in the world right now.
“I had to do something special and luckily a lot of these balls and these winners went into the court.”
Thiem will face Italian Matteo Berrettini in his final match in the group on Thursday.
