Thiem defeats Nadal in ATP Finals thriller

Tuesday, 17 November 2020 at 18:12

Dominic Thiem said before the ATP Finals that he wasn't a favourite for the title but his mindset might change now after defeating Rafael Nadal in a thriller as he grasps control of Group London 2020.

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Thiem saw off Nadal in a 7-6, 7-6 victory and saved two set points in the opener which lasted 72 minutes in all and held his nerve from there after failing to convert three match points.

The US Open champion is now 2-0 up in the group and has boosted his chances of making the semi-finals in London for the second straight year and after a year which has seen him claim a Grand Slam for the first time, he will hope the stars align for him at the O2.

In the opening tie break, the 13-time French Open champion gained a 5-2 advantage but Thiem came back showing more aggression and it worked out as he saved set points and converted his first set point to produce the comeback.

Nadal escaped danger in the next set when like alluded to he handed Thiem the opportunity for three match points but Thiem's aggression in the tiebreak showed again as he came from 3-3 to win three straight points and claim it.

Now Thiem will face Andrey Rublev who defeated him in Vienna last month but if Tsitsipas beats the Russian tonight, it becomes a dead rubber as Thiem would be the first player through.