Daniil Medvedev Extends Stunning Winning Streak, Outlasts Dominic Thiem to Win Maiden ATP Finals Title

It was the night to crown yet another new champion at the ATP Finals. The elegant World No.3 Dominic Thiem was up against the mighty World No.4 Daniil Medvedev. In an electrifying finale, it was Medvedev who turned out to be the better player and defeated the in-form Thiem in style. The final scoreline of the match was 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Although Thiem looked confident with his shots, Medvedev had answers to almost everything that the Austrian delivered. He did not choke under pressure and ended his 2020 tennis season on a high after winning the maiden ATP Finals title.

Set-1: Dominic Thiem clinches a close set

Serving first, Medvedev secured an early lead in the set after a brilliant ace. It was evident that his forehand was still in a lethal state. He even won 2 break-points in the second game but could not capitalize. Thiem leveled the scoreline at 1-1 after winning the 10-minute long second game.

Medvedev again took the lead at the end of the third game and was now leading 2-1. However, Thiem equalized it yet again after an amazing ace in the subsequent game. It was going fine till here but then something sensational took place. It was Thiem who broke after he was 0-40 down in the third game. Medvedev missed an overhead volley and then did a double-fault which made it easy for Thiem.

Thiem extended his lead in the next game and was now just 2 games away from winning the set. But, Medvedev was not ready to give it up that easily. He fought and reduced the margin to 4-3. He had to break in order but it did not happen as Thiem won the next game without losing a single point.

Medvedev responded in the same manner as he won 4 back-to-back points in the next game and made the scoreline 5-4. Serving for the set, Thiem didn’t make an ideal start and lost the initial point. However, he didn’t let it go and with the help of a little bit of luck, clinched the first set 6-4.

Set-2: Daniil Medvedev survives the crucial tie-breaker

Serving first again, Medvedev again established a 1-0 lead over Thiem. He had to win this set in order to give him a chance to win the title. However, Thiem struck back hard and equalized the scoreline in the very next game.

Medvedev again won and Thiem again followed him just like the first set. It was 2-2 at this moment. The fifth game saw 4 deuces and despite winning a break-point, Thiem could not win the game. Medvedev was now leading 3-2.  However, Thiem won 4 consecutive points in the next game to level the scoreline again at 3-3.

Thiem earned 2 break-points in the next set but lost both because of his own mistakes. Medvedev survived and took the lead once again with the help of an ace. He went on to win his first break-point but could not capitalize and Thiem managed to level the scoreline again at 4-4.

The story continued and the scoreline reached 5-5 in a similar fashion. Medvedev didn’t allow Thiem to break and was not just 1 set away from taking the match into the deciding set. However, Thiem won the next game to take the match into the tie-breaker.

Although Thiem won the initial 2 points, Medvedev went on to win 7 consecutive points to win the tiebreaker. He thus, won the set 7-6.

Set-3: The Decider

Serving first, Thiem began the set in style winning the first game after losing 2 initial points. However, Medvedev equalized the scoreline soon in the second game. The Russian earned 3 break-points in the third game but Thiem delivered some perfect forehands and went on to win 5 consecutive points. He was leading once again at 2-1.

The next game ended within a minute as Medvedev won 4 straight points to level the scoreline at 2-2. Medvedev finally broke for the first time in the fifth game of the third set and was now leading 3-2.

Medvedev widened the margin further in the next game and maintained a healthy lead of 4-2. However, Thiem did not give it easy and was ready for a fight. He went on to win the next game and brought the margin back to 4-3.

Medvedev didn’t choke, won the next game, and was now just 1 game away from winning the title. However, Thiem did not give up and fought till the end. He took it closer till the scoreline became 5-4 though he was still trailing.

Serving for the set, Medvedev won the initial point and wanted to finish it off early. He did not waste much time and won the set 6-4 to clinch the ATP Finals title.