US Open 2020 final - Dominic Thiem[2] vs Alexander Zverev [5]

Federer and Del Potro said:

Will Zverev pass Federer? getting worried now that the gap is looking like itll be 19

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JMR said:

January 30, 2017 -- By defeating Rafa Nadal to win the Australian Open championship, Roger Federer earned his 18th grand slam title, confirmed his honorary status of GOAT in the view of tennis fans around the world, and carved out a much-needed bit of breathing room between himself and the onrushing Andy Murray.

"I was beginning to panic a little, you know," said a visibly relieved Federer after the match. "At one time, I had infinitely times as many slams as Andy. 17-0! But then, you know, he suddenly wins one. Then another. Then another! Meanwhile, after Wimbledon 2012 I was going nowhere. It wasn't easy."

As Federer's once commanding lead dropped to 16 slams, then 15, his camp responded in scattershot fashion: A new racket. SABR, a maniacal new net-rushing technique. An all-chocolate truffle diet. When the difference dwindled to 14 slams after Murray's triumph at Wimbledon last year, the reality hit hard: Federer was in the fight of his life.

"It was time to do something drastic, I knew," reflected Federer on the slam differential crisis. "They recommended knee surgery. I protested, 'Hey, there's nothing wrong with my knee!' but Mirka said, 'Do it. Give him the knife.' She was right, as always."

As Federer guided his rebuilt body through rehab, the team also added a new coach: Ivan Ljubicic, a specialist in early-round slam exitology. Federer approved the choice.

"I needed someone who could tell me, 'See what I did? Don't do that.' Ivan was just the guy."

Everything gelled for Federer at the Aussie Open. Prowling the courts on his cybernetic limb, being gently steered away from disaster by his new coach, and invigorated by his team's belief, Federer reached the summit at last.

"15 slams is a nice margin, you know?" he smiled while hugging the trophy. "I feel safe again. Come on, Andy, catch me if you can!"

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ibbi said:

That volley missed wide on set point is going to be one of those THE WHOLE GOD DAMN MATCH TURNED AROUND moments.

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TennisFan3 said:

Zverev choking now. Giving a lifeline to Thiem. So much for the next gen.
I can't recalls Fed/Nadal/Djoker ever.

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TennisFan3 said:

Oh please. Zverev is playing well of course.
But are you telling me that Thiem is NOT pathetic? Have you seen the errors? That has nothing to do with Zverev. No game plan. No action. No strategy. No initiative. Zero mental strength.

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RS said:

@TheAssassin

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King No1e said:

Awesome break back!!! I sense a momentum shift here. Djorinka AO13 vibes

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TripleATeam said:

Goddamn, is this going to be the most one-sided slam final in recent history?

Last 5 years: Nadal d. Wawrinka RG 17 -> 6-2, 6-3, 6-1.
Last 10: Still that one.
Last 20: Nadal d. Federer RG 08 -> 6-1, 6-3, 6-0.
In history: (tied with 2 pre-open slams) Connors d. Rosewall USO 74 -> 6-1, 6-0, 6-1.

If Zverev wins the next 7 games, he can tie the 08 RG final. If he wins the 2nd set now and the 3rd set in less than 6-2, he can beat Nadal's record and have the most dominant slam final win in 12 years.

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King No1e said:

Awesome break back!!! I sense a momentum shift here. Djorinka AO13 vibes

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Cecilia said:

What is actually wrong with thiem? Is it the injury or nerves ?

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zagor said:

No player who ever won multiple slams ever had that attitude, even before they won anything of note.

He's just not a big match player, period. This was it, the perfect opportunity and he's laying an egg on court.

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StrongRule said:

Zverev to pull a Tsitsipas and choke a 5-1 lead?

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