Dominic Thiem takes out Novak Djokovic in a third-set tie-break for the second straight year in London at the Nitto ATP Tour.
Dominic Thiem grew to become the first player in 4 years to attain back-to-back championship win at the Nitto ATP Finals on Saturday, as he earned a milestone 7-5, 6-7(10), 7-6(5) victory in opposition to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
The 2019 runner-up failed to convert in a dramatic second-set tie-break, however held his nerve to rally in a final-set tie-break towards Djokovic at The O2 for the 2d straight year.
Thiem’s victory was his 300th at tour-level and his fifth against a World No. 1. The last player to reach consecutive finals at the season finale was Djokovic (2012-’16).
Credit: atptours.com
Each set came down to just a few points and it was Thiem who claimed the biggest points in the decider.
Thiem increased his aggression to win six consecutive points from 0/4 down in the final-set tie-break and converted his sixth match point with a powerful forehand approach shot.
Thiem is only the second player in 2020 to win a tie-break against the World No. 1. Djokovic entered the third-set tie-break with a 15-1 tie-break record this season.
“It was for sure a mental battle. I got so tight in the second-set tie-break because to play these legends is always going to be something special,” said Thiem in an on-court interview.
“Playing for the final here at the Nitto ATP Finals is also something very special and I thought that after my first big title in New York, maybe I’m going to be a little bit more calm, but that was a mistake, I guess.
“I was just as tight and as nervous as before. It was so much on the edge that match, like every single match here.
“The best players in the world are facing off. So I’m just incredibly happy to be through and just [will] try to get ready for tomorrow.”
