Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Dominic Thiem in the fifth-set tiebreak, 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-6(8).
After a suspension on the first day due to rain, Tsitsipas and Thiem were set to resume their match on Court 2 at the All England Club. Yesterday's match was halted with Dominic Thiem leading 6-3, 3-4.
The Greek player arrived with serious doubts about his grass court level as he had a record of 1-3 in grass court tournaments prior to the 2023 Wimbledon, including losses to Yannick Hanfmann, Nicolas Jarry, and Richard Gasquet.
On the other hand, the former US Open champion had a tough draw at the Halle Open against Alexander Zverev and was defeated in his only grass court match. Both players have had less than stellar performances at Wimbledon in previous years. Tsitsipas' best result was reaching the fourth round in 2018, while Thiem reached the same round in 2017.
The start of yesterday's match showcased Thiem's advantage in the first set, winning 81% of points on his first serve and 88% on his second serve. Tsitsipas won 71% of points on his first serve but only 43% on his second. With 11 winners and 5 unforced errors, Thiem took the first set 6-3.
The second set was evenly matched until the rain suspension, with Tsitsipas being much more precise on his serve. There was only one break point in the entire first set, against Thiem, which the former world No. 3 managed to save, leading to a tiebreak where they held their serves. The currently ranked world No. 5 demonstrated clear superiority, and unforced errors from his opponent allowed him to take the set 7-6(1).
After a great tiebreak from Tsitsipas, Thiem's performance declined in the third set, conceding two service breaks, giving Tsitsipas a 6-2 advantage. The currently ranked world No. 93 only won 50% of points on his first serve and the same percentage on his second serve. He faced eight break points, of which Tsitsipas converted two.
In the fourth set, Thiem regained his momentum and despite facing more difficulties with his serve than the Greek player, he managed to extend the match to a tiebreak. In the sixth point of the tiebreak, Tsitsipas approached the net, but a brilliant backhand shot from Thiem that landed on the baseline gave him the mini-break that led to winning the decisive set.
The fifth set was filled with emotions, with both players giving their all to come out on top. Without either player managing to break the other's serve, the match progressed to a 10-point tiebreak. Tsitsipas gained a 5-3 advantage thanks to a mini-break. Thiem made a comeback, but an unforced error on the 15th point gave the edge to Tsitsipas. Although Thiem recovered the break, Tsitsipas broke him on the final point and secured a hard-fought victory.
In the next round, Tsitsipas will face the local favorite and 2-time Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray.