“Something Special”: Dominic Thiem Recalls Consecutive Wins Over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic

The Austrian Dominic Thiem is the captain of the new generation of tennis players. At 27 years of age, he has won the US Open 2020 and has reached three Grand Slams finals. Also, a defending finalist of the ATP Finals in London, Thiem can look back at his incredible run last year and be proud. Dominic defeated Swiss maestro Roger Federer and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic to ultimately lose against Stefanos Tsitsipas in London 2019.

World No. 3 Dominic Thiem won five ATP titles last year, including a Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells. Of his three Grand Slam finals’ appearances, Thiem has lost all of them to the Big Three club. The Austrian missed his two French Open titles facing Rafael Nadal (2018, 2019), and an Australian Open (2020) against Djokovic. However, beating Federer and Novak in a tournament would mark a significant milestone in Dominic’s career.

“Always something special”: Dominic Thiem on beating Federer

It might come as a surprise, but the Austrian has a 5-2 advantage over the Swiss legend. Sweeping past Federer in the final of Indian Wells 2019, Dominic claimed his first Masters 1000 title. The game displayed the greatness of both generations wherein the younger won the hard-fought match. The score read 3-6, 6-3, and 7-5. Catch the highlights of that match here.

In their latest encounter at the ATP Finals London 2019, the Austrian comfortably zoomed past Federer in two straight sets: 7-5, 7-5. On that, he said, “Last year, I started amazing with the win over Roger, which is obviously always something special.”

The record winner of the ATP Finals, Federer, will not be participating in this year’s edition since he is recovering from injury. However, the record winner of the ATP Finals in London, Novak will aim to etch his name in this last edition. As the venue shifts to Turin next year, Dominic will look forward to being a part of London winners.

“Best of three match”: Thiem on playing against Djokovic

One of the greatest display of tennis in 2020 was the semi-final of the Roland Garros, where Thiem defeated Djokovic. In an excruciating five hour long match, Thiem paved the way to his second final at the French Open. His win completed the revenge of his Australian Open finals’ defeat against the best tennis player. The final score displayed 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 7-5.

For the Austrian, his win at the ATP Finals last year against the Serbian was his favorite. An equally powerful display of talent and strength came from both player, but Thiem won 7-6, 3-6, 6-7. About the match, he said, “And, then was probably the best of three match in my life against Novak.”

Two next-generation players have already won the year-end finale, and Dominic will look to join the list. All in all, the London finale event is set to present a high voltage game of tennis. For the top players, the stage couldn’t be better to show their caliber.

Also Read: “Serves and Returns So Well”: Dominic Thiem Reveals His Toughest Opponent Besides the ‘Big Three’