2016 Miami Open ATP World Tour Masters 1000 - Round 4 Djokovic vs. Thiem

[Meles]

Novak Djokovic Has High Praise for Dominic Thiem after Shanghai Battle (2014)

Novak Djokovic Has High Praise for Dominic Thiem after Shanghai Battle

After Wednesday’s 6-3, 6-4 victory over rising Austrian Dominic Thiem, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic had some kind words for the 21-year-old up and comer.

More Shanghai: Federer Saves Five Match Points against Mayer and Closes with Exquisite Lob

"I had to be on alert from the start because he was serving already 215 kilometers per hour in the first service game," said Djokovic, according to the ATP’s web site. "He was serving big, playing big. He's definitely right up there as one of the most talented players. He's got the power. Some shots today that he was playing were incredible. Backhands down the line.

"He was going for it. I don't blame him. He's a young player, playing on center court, it's his opportunity to shine. He did well. I thought we played some really good points and a great match overall."

Thiem, currently 39 in the world, only managed to win 10 points against Djokovic’s serve, but he saved six of eight break points and produced some incredible shotmaking throughout the tilt.
- See more at: http://www.tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-...for-Dominic-Thiem-a.aspx#sthash.0OSXgu2C.dpuf

Both players are certainly playing better now so this should be a fun match to watch.

 

[oneness]

Hope theim makes it interesting.

 

[Djokovic2011]

One of those rare matches where not only does tennis win but each and every one of us wins regardless of the result. Don't y'all just love how wonderful this sport can be?

 

[Meles]

Thiem's hopes hinge on his kicker first serve. If that is effective and Thiem serves well with it (75% first serves in); then we have a match. Against top form Djokovic, Thiem probably has a good enough return game to break once in the match (maybe twice if three sets.) Thiem's greatest weakness is his first serve return. It has improved some this year and was the key to his ATP 500 hard court win in Acapulco. If Djokovic is not playing well Thiem can break him a lot.

If Thiem is in the set near the end (even down a break) don't miss it. This is when Thiem plays his best and why he has been on a big roll this year. Both players should be well rested for this match. Highlights from their previous clash:

Based on Djokovic's lackluster starts in many matches recently going with Thiem in 2.

Spoiler

Prediction league pick will be Djoko in 2. Power play league Thiem.

 

[Meles]

Thiem plays well in Miami, took Murray to 3 in last years QF:

 

[rh310]

Thiem's hopes hinge on his kicker first serve. If that is effective and Thiem serves well with it (75% first serves in); then we have a match. Against top form Djokovic, Thiem probably has a good enough return game to break once in the match (maybe twice if three sets.) Thiem's greatest weakness is his first serve return. It has improved some this year and was the key to his ATP 500 hard court win in Acapulco. If Djokovic is not playing well Thiem can break him a lot.

If Thiem is in the set near the end (even down a break) don't miss it. This is when Thiem plays his best and why he has been on a big roll this year. Both players should be well rested for this match. Highlights from their previous clash:

Based on Djokovic's lackluster starts in many matches recently going with Thiem in 2.

Spoiler

Prediction league pick will be Djoko in 2. Power play league Thiem.

Holy cow. I'd never seen that match (Djokovic - Thiem, Shanghai 2014). If Thiem comes to play, Djokovic better be on his A game.

 

[Djokovic2011]

Holy cow. I'd never seen that match (Djokovic - Thiem, Shanghai 2014). If Thiem comes to play, Djokovic better be on his A game.

Something tells me he will be for this one.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

Bit jacked for this'n. Unable to fib.

 

[Deleted member 743561]

Did Tsonga provide recon (IW, 6-3, 6-2) for Djok's prep for this match? Can Thiem implement any Simonery?

 

[Meles]

Did Tsonga provide recon (IW, 6-3, 6-2) for Djok's prep for this match? Can Thiem implement any Simonery?

Djoko does not have the power of the A1 Tsonga forehand. Thiem was a bit tired and Tsonga destroyed him with the forehand.

 

[PHS_10]

Thiem has improved so much since their first meeting in Shanghai. His serve and back hand can do the damage. If Novak doesn't up his level, can see Thiem winning in probably three sets. He really is a top top player.

 

[MichaelNadal]

One of those rare matches where not only does tennis win but each and every one of us wins regardless of the result. Don't y'all just love how wonderful this sport can be?

Lol boy please. Machine in 2.

 

[Meles]

One of those rare matches where not only does tennis win but each and every one of us wins regardless of the result. Don't y'all just love how wonderful this sport can be?

It is wonderful when some younger players start to make waves. Pouille just knocked off Ferrer in an incredible match. Kygrios, Thiem, and even Goffin adding something new this year to Miami.

 

[Berasategui94]

It is wonderful when some younger players start to make waves. Pouille just knocked off Ferrer in an incredible match. Kygrios, Thiem, and even Goffin adding something new this year to Miami.

Thiem vs. Goffin in the SF.

 

[Nonsense]

After the Djokovic - Raonic hype, I hope this will be a better one.

 

[Gytha]

Bring. It. On.

 

[Meles]

After the Djokovic - Raonic hype, I hope this will be a better one.

Something tells me the Djokovic steam roller is going to show up for this match despite a pattern of shakey play early in tournaments. Just hope Thiem can hang in there against the onslaught or start out with his end of set form.

 

[TheMusicLover]

Thiem vs. Goffin in the SF.

* looking for a DROOL SMILEY available *

Eh, no. 99,9999% chance of that NOT going to happen. Still, I hope Thiem will be able to give Djok a proper match.

 

[Chanwan]

Something tells me he will be for this one.

So you're not picking Thiem???

 

[Chanwan]

@Meles
Thiem has, this year, beat a so and so Rafa and Ferrer. Also, he's beaten Cilic, Tomic, Dimitrov and Sock.

However, he's gotten his ass soundly kicked by Fed, Tsonga and ... Pella.

No reason for me to think Djoko won't do the same.
Djoko in 2 fairly straight forward sets. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[NextGeneration]

Should be fun to watch but I can't see Thiem troubling Djokovic too much on hardcourt

 

[citybert]

Isnt Thiem one of the few guys who can hit Nole off the court? Especially this yr, same time last year he was playing so far behind the baseline now hes much improved. Just hoping for quality tennis and good conditions

 

[Aceldama]

Isnt Thiem one of the few guys who can hit Nole off the court? Especially this yr, same time last year he was playing so far behind the baseline now hes much improved. Just hoping for quality tennis and good conditions

Thiem is a pretty big hitter. If he can keep the ball in the court he might be able to blast some winners. Obviously Novak isn't an easy opponent to hit winners against, though. Novak tends to use his opponent's pace against them and will probably use it to wear Thiem out.

 

[3fees]

Djokovic in 2 or 3

Cheers
3Fees

 

[citybert]

Thiem is a pretty big hitter. If he can keep the ball in the court he might be able to blast some winners. Obviously Novak isn't an easy opponent to hit winners against, though. Novak tends to use his opponent's pace against them and will probably use it to wear Thiem out.

Def novak is a heavy favorite and could win in under an hour but going into it I bet his team was definitely wishing for a different opponent this early in the tournament. There is a small risk here

 

[Meles]

@Meles
Thiem has, this year, beat a so and so Rafa and Ferrer. Also, he's beaten Cilic, Tomic, Dimitrov and Sock.

However, he's gotten his ass soundly kicked by Fed, Tsonga and ... Pella.

No reason for me to think Djoko won't do the same.
Djoko in 2 fairly straight forward sets. Hope I'm wrong.

Thiem is a pretty big hitter. If he can keep the ball in the court he might be able to blast some winners. Obviously Novak isn't an easy opponent to hit winners against, though. Novak tends to use his opponent's pace against them and will probably use it to wear Thiem out.

The great think about this match is with a routine 6-2. 6-2 win over Nishioki and a day off, Thiem will be very well rested. This was not the case for Pella at all, and Tsonga probably. Thiem had played long 3 set super tight match with Cilic the day before Fed in Brisbane.

Thiem has stamina issues as the big, heavy forehand and kicker first serve take a lot of energy. He's getting stronger, but has a long way to go in this area and it may ultimately hold him back on the French Open clay; his favorite surface. His game just keeps improving nicely this year so there is hope even against Nole in all his greatness. Thiem has the champions mentality necessary to compete at this level (5 ATP titles in less than a year). Can't wait for this one.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Expecting another straight set win for Djokovic. Hoping for more. We'll see.

 

[Zetty]

Let's go new blood! Thiem in 2.

 

[Meles]

Def novak is a heavy favorite and could win in under an hour but going into it I bet his team was definitely wishing for a different opponent this early in the tournament. There is a small risk here

If Djoko comes out of the gates flat this will be more than a small risk.

10 to 7 on the votes. A lot of Thiemers voting!

 

[FedFollow]

Not a Novak hater but really pulling for Thiem.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Looking fwd to this. Two tight ones - something like 75 64 for Djokovic. But won't be shocked if Thiem sneaks the 2nd and it's more like 75 36 62.

 

[PHS_10]

It is a day session, after 1 pm, so advantage Thiem..

 

[JumpSmash]

One of those rare matches where not only does tennis win but each and every one of us wins regardless of the result. Don't y'all just love how wonderful this sport can be?

Err ... no. If No1e loses, I lose. The Ultronic Serbinator must prevail over the Austrian Thieminator!

 

[okdude1992]

Thiem will need to hope Djokovic has an off day if he is to have any chance. On clay it would be a different story IMO.

 

[JumpSmash]

Thiem will need to hope Djokovic has an off day if he is to have any chance. On clay it would be a different story IMO.

Why? Djoko is deadly on the dirt as well. Regardless of the great thiem behind him, Thiem will be smoked by the Serbinator!

 

[JumpSmash]

You have to give it to No1e. Looking at the title of this thread, Djokovic is going to play against a whole Thiem and still prevail! One player is not enough to suppress the Serbinator. It will take a whole Thiem just to give him a challenge!

 

[Meles]

Why? Djoko is deadly on the dirt as well. Regardless of the great thiem behind him, Thiem will be smoked by the Serbinator!

Djokovic is best on hard courts (excellent on clay). Thiem is excellent on clay. On hard courts he's a fish out of water, much like Nadal as in dangerous. Won Acapulco surprisingly, but he can be exposed on hard courts. If Djokovic doesn't crush Thiem tomorrow, then Thiem may come back to bite him on clay.

 

[okdude1992]

Why? Djoko is deadly on the dirt as well. Regardless of the great thiem behind him, Thiem will be smoked by the Serbinator!

Well I think Thiem has the level to match anyone on tour on clay. On hard, his court positioning and return can be exposed. Novak meanwhile is so solid on slow hard...

 

[JumpSmash]

Djokovic is best on hard courts (excellent on clay). Thiem is excellent on clay. On hard courts he's a fish out of water, much like Nadal as in dangerous. Won Acapulco surprisingly, but he can be exposed on hard courts. If Djokovic doesn't crush Thiem tomorrow, then Thiem may come back to bite him on clay.

Well I think Thiem has the level to match anyone on tour on clay. On hard, his court positioning and return can be exposed. Novak meanwhile is so solid on slow hard...

Don't you think you might be rating Thiem too highly? He has only won minor tournaments on clay. He needs to win a big one first to truly prove his clay credentials ...

 

[Meles]

Don't you think you might be rating Thiem too highly? He has only won minor tournaments on clay. He needs to win a big one first to truly prove his clay credentials ...

Thiem's game is completely built for clay and it is his favorite surface by far.

He owns Ferrer on clay which is something. He's beaten Wawa. Took Murray to 3 at Miami QF last year, so at least competive on clay. Beat Nadal on clay. Whether he'll be competitive with Fed or Djoko on clay is a question mark. Berdy and Nishi are solid on clay. If he hangs with Djoko today then he can probably hang with any one on clay. Thiem is also rapidly improving just in 2016 so we have the trajectory of his game too. Thiem does not choke and in fact does quite the opposite near the end of sets, so this puts him way up there on clay too.

Its fortunate and unfortunate that Thiem has Djoko. Unfortunate for obvious reasons. Fortunate that he gets to play a top player and the favorite on clay this year. He doesn't have to make a final to get this match and as you can see from the above Djoko and Fed are the only players that still have an intimidation possibility for Thiem. This match benefits Thiem tremendously.

 

[JumpSmash]

Thiem's game is completely built for clay and it is his favorite surface by far.

He owns Ferrer on clay which is something. He's beaten Wawa. Took Murray to 3 at Miami QF last year, so at least competive on clay. Beat Nadal on clay. Whether he'll be competitive with Fed or Djoko on clay is a question mark. Berdy and Nishi are solid on clay. If he hangs with Djoko today then he can probably hang with any one on clay. Thiem is also rapidly improving just in 2016 so we have the trajectory of his game too. Thiem does not choke and in fact does quite the opposite near the end of sets, so this puts him way up there on clay too.

Its fortunate and unfortunate that Thiem has Djoko. Unfortunate for obvious reasons. Fortunate that he gets to play a top player and the favorite on clay this year. He doesn't have to make a final to get this match and as you can see from the above Djoko and Fed are the only players that still have an intimidation possibility for Thiem. This match benefits Thiem tremendously.

You make very good points. Without a doubt, Thiem shows a lot of promise. He might be the best of his generation. But I am concerned people are giving him too much due before it is earned. He needs to prove himself consistently for a season before we can declare him a top contender. He beat Ferrer for the first time this year and has beaten Wawa once before. I do not think that resume is big enough to be confident about his chances against Djoko. But I agree this match benefits Thiem. He can know how he stacks up against the Number 1. I look forward to seeing the Serbinator vs. the Thieminator!

 

[LETitBE]

Novak will not take Thiem lightly! this is bad for young Dom

 

[MichaelNadal]

Novak will not take Thiem lightly! this is bad for young Dom

Even if he did he'd still win 6-3, 6-2.

 

[Meles]

Amazingly Thiem polling near 33% on this match. Djokovic the strong, strong favorite in any betting parlor.

 

[RSH]

Djokovic in straights.

 

[Chanwan]

Thiem's game is completely built for clay and it is his favorite surface by far.

He owns Ferrer on clay which is something. He's beaten Wawa. Took Murray to 3 at Miami QF last year, so at least competive on clay. Beat Nadal on clay. Whether he'll be competitive with Fed or Djoko on clay is a question mark. Berdy and Nishi are solid on clay. If he hangs with Djoko today then he can probably hang with any one on clay. Thiem is also rapidly improving just in 2016 so we have the trajectory of his game too. Thiem does not choke and in fact does quite the opposite near the end of sets, so this puts him way up there on clay too.

Its fortunate and unfortunate that Thiem has Djoko. Unfortunate for obvious reasons. Fortunate that he gets to play a top player and the favorite on clay this year. He doesn't have to make a final to get this match and as you can see from the above Djoko and Fed are the only players that still have an intimidation possibility for Thiem. This match benefits Thiem tremendously.

Meles, I believe I've told you this before, but you cannot own a player whom you've only played once. Also, the Ferrer he beat was the same Ferrer who lost to Almugro for the first time in.............................. 16 tries the week before in Buenos Aires. Still a decent win, but it's not like beating Ferrer on clay a couple of years ago.
As for Wawa, anyone can beat Wawa on their day when the Stanimal is left in the cage.

As I said, I'll be happy if I'm proved wrong, but so far Thiem has shown little to convince me that he can go toe to toe with Djoko on clay let alone slow HC.
Tsonga annihilated him in IW. Why wouldn't Djoko do the same in a few hours?

 

[nmanimaran15]

Thiem is really overrated. Some of nadal haters are praising him too much.But, he can't beat djokovic even in clay. Djokovic will blow him in straight sets. There is a possibility for a 6-2,6-0 win by djokovic.

 

[ForumMember]

A lot of people are going to be a lot disappointed. The theme of this encounter going to be same as it has been for Djokovic's enocunters in recent part, a beat down for oppoent. Thiem fan can be happy if he manages to sneak out more than 6 games.

 

[mistik]

This match is a dead match.Novak is going to lose the Zeballos.

 

[kalpab]

This match will mark the beginning of Djokovic's end. Thieminator FTW!