via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Dominic Thiem of Austria shakes hands with Alexander Zverev of Germany after winning their Men’s Singles final match on Day Fourteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: (L-R) Dominic Thiem of Austria shakes hands with Alexander Zverev of Germany after winning their Men’s Singles final match on Day Fourteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 13, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The 2020 US Open final will repeat itself in one of the Mutua Madrid Open 2021 semifinals. Austrian World No.4 Dominic Thiem locks horns with German World No.6 Alexander Zverev for a seat in the final.
Considered two of the most promising next-generation players, Thiem and Zverev will battle yet again to affirm that claim. It might arguably be a better matchup than the final itself, quality-wise.
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Dominic Thiem vs. Alexander Zverev: Preview
Surprisingly, this is the first semifinal for the 27-year-old Dominic Thiem in 2021. However, he is on his way to finding his 2020 charm back.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Madrid Open – Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain – May 7, 2021 Austria’s Dominic Thiem reacts during his quarter final match against John Isner of the U.S. REUTERS/Sergio Perez
In the previous match, Thiem denied American professional John Isner a semifinal spot despite being a set down. Moreover, John hit a whopping 18 aces (107 in the tournament) before losing the match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Conclusively, the Austrian ace will be up and ready for his next challenge against the German. Also, Sascha is his highest-ranked opponent in the 2021 season so far.
The 24-year-old Alexander Zverev caused the ultimate upset at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021. He took down the top seed and five-time champion Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinal.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Madrid Open – Caja Magica, Madrid, Spain – May 7, 2021 Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Spain’s Rafael Nadal after their quarter final match REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Although he has played some great matches this year, Sascha has also been inconsistent. But he too has found his winning ways back in the Spanish capital.
Undoubtedly, the German professional will be wary of his next opponent’s dominant stats against him. However, upsetting Rafa would give him a much-needed boost to go all the way in Madrid.
Thiem vs. Zverev: Head-to-Head
Thiem has a towering 8-2 advantage against Zverev in their head-to-head battle on the ATP Tour. Interestingly, the duo also played in the 2018 Madrid Open final, where the German won 6-4, 6-4.
But since Madrid, Thiem has obtained four straight wins against Zverev. His biggest title, the 2020 US Open, also came against the German.
Thiem vs. Zverev: Prediction
Given the history, the match will see fireworks from both ends. While Thiem would bring his unrivaled backhand into play, Sascha will continue to maneuver his big serve.
For the Austrian ace, putting early pressure on Zverev will be substantial. He can achieve that with a high first service and return percentage.
On the other side, Sascha needs his first serve to deny Thiem any control in the match. The outcome will then come down to who is hungrier to win.
From the looks of it, the match could go either side. However, one thing is clear – we have a great tennis match waiting ahead of us.
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Prediction: Thiem to reach Madrid Open final in three sets.
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