Dominic Thiem Thrashes Gael Monfils in Straight Sets to Reach Quarterfinals at Australian Open 2020

World No.5 Dominic Thiem outplayed No.10 seed Gael Monfils with a convincing straight-sets 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2020. With this victory, the 26-year-old reaches his maiden quarterfinals at the Melbourne Park.

Thiem recorded 31 winners to 19 unforced errors in a masterclass offensive showcase. On the other hand, the Frenchman hit a total of 26 winners, committing 32 unforced errors.

Dominic Thiem broke twice to win the first set

Thiem started the match on the right foot, starting to trouble Monfils’ serve from the first game. He secured the break in the third game of the match before breaking the Frenchman again at 5-2. The Austrian then served out the opening set 6-2 in just 28 minutes.

Thiem did not face a single breakpoint on his serve in the first set. With a dominating service game, Thiem’s return game was also on point in the first set. He won 47% of points while returning the first serve and 50% of second-serve return points.

Thiem continued dominance  serve to secure the second set

The set saw no breakpoint opportunities created by either player as the two held their respective service games till 3-3. However, Thiem changed gears at the right moment as he earned the break in the 7th game after Monfils denied him three break chances.

The Austrian then served out the second set 6-4 in 44 minutes. The 26-year-old blasted 13 winners against Gael’s 8 winners in the set.

Thiem sealed the match with the third set victory

Dominic Thiem carried his momentum in the third set as he broke the French in his opening service game. The No.5 seed squandered 6 break chances in the next two serves games of Monfils. However, he went on to serve out the match in just 1 hour and 50 minutes, winning the third set 6-4.

Thiem did not face a single breakpoint on his serve in the course of three sets. With this victory, the World No.5 extends his head-to-head record against Monfils to 6-0.

He will face the winner between No.1 seed Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios in his maiden Australian Open quarterfinals.