2019 ATP Madrid SF: Djokovic [1] vs Thiem [5]

[robthai]

I don’t think Thiem ever wins a major

because Nadal will continue winning French Opens until he's 40?

 

[mike danny]

This is the year Thiem wins RG. There's something different in his eyes this year. The fire and believe is there, and he has become so clutch.

How many times have I heard that about Fed and Novak before inevitably losing to Rafa at RG for the umpteenth time?

The same will be happening to Thiem too, nothing will change.

 

[Meles]

There is some big serving by Nole; we may yet have a match as he's sure to break at least once in this match.

 

[Enceladus]

Hitman, do you think it's mostly Massu's new coaching? I do-- Dom is more aggressive in court positioning.

From Brad Gilbert:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1127217847447347200

 

[mike danny]

Yeah maybe this year at RG he will win more than 4 games in a set vs. Nadal.

Yeah. And if Nadal has an off day, maybe even a tiebreak.

 

[onyxrose81]

At least Novak’s serve is much better than in MC. That was worrisome.

 

[Red Rick]

What's funny is that even that sort of lost tennis doesn't compare with the brain dead crap he used to bring to some matches back in 16-18.

I agree.

I didn't see the Hurkacz match in Miami but he was taking out some good players and after all the media shenanigans of winning his first 1000 in Miami it didn't struck me as such a dreadful loss.

Took a while to hit his stride this year though. He would do himself a big favour by sweeping BA/Rio every year.

 

[RF-18]

Thiem is going well but Djokovic needs to find his timing.

 

[Red Rick]

Yeah. And if Nadal has an off day, maybe even a tiebreak.

Isner goat

 

[StrongRule]

How many times have I heard that about Fed and Novak before inevitably losing to Rafa ta RG for the umpteenth time?

The same will be happening to Thiem too, nothing will change.

Nadal is older now, so Thiem's task is easier than Federer's or Djokovic's was.

 

[Meles]

I think the start of this match was Nole crapping the bed at Thiem's highest level yet. Now maybe he'll settle down and use his vast experience; this recent incarnation is quite wily.

 

[Standaa]

It's still early in the match, Djoker can be a slow starter, I expect him to get better and sharper. His ROS is looking very good so far (as always).

I still don’t know if the reason for his relatively poor form is this supposed "strategy" to make himself look more like an underdog going into RG or if it’s just him genuinely trying and legit just playing bad. It frustrates me.

 

[romeo8880]

because Nadal will continue winning French Opens until he's 40?

Not just that, I’ve yet to see thiem perform at a major the way he does in other tournaments

 

[Red Rick]

I really like the addition of dropshots to Thiem's game.

 

[tennis_pro]

It's like Thiem is a completely different player this year.

 

[MeatTornado]

I'm expecting a Novak break-back soon.

I think the scoreline atm is more about him playing poorly than Thiem playing great. He's already stopped committing so many errors and will work his way into Thiem's service games.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Great drop shot from Dom!

 

[Gazelle]

Always fun to see a pusher get overpowered.

 

[joekapa]

Have faith Djokovites!

 

[Red Rick]

Thiem BHDTL winners that are actually almost through the dead centre of the court but still winners because pace are my favorite Thiem shots

 

[mike danny]

Nadal is older now, so Thiem's task is easier than Federer's or Djokovic's was.

Nadal was older last year and 2 years ago too and Thiem was still pathetic.

 

[Otacon]

How many times have I heard that about Fed and Novak before inevitably losing to Rafa ta RG for the umpteenth time?

The same will be happening to Thiem too, nothing will change.

Thiem is a true clay specialist, unlike Fed and Novak. He must only avoid losing to Nadal before RG.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I'm expecting a Novak break-back soon.

I think the scoreline atm is more about him playing poorly than Thiem playing great. He's already stopped committing so many errors and will work his way into Thiem's service games.

I agree.

Who are you rooting for? I want Nadal to lose tomorrow (Fed coming for #2 ranking) and think Novak has the much better shot of defeating Nadal. So I'm with Novak today.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

When Thiem starts to actually think out there, it becomes very dangerous for everyone else.

 

[Meles]

It's like Thiem is a completely different player this year.

He rarely over hits or goes for something he shouldn't all the while at 90% bludgeoning the ball.

 

[Red Rick]

Always fun to see a pusher get overpowered.

You call what Tsitsipas did yesterday 'overpowering'?

 

[The Green Mile]

Actually controlled aggression from Thiem, what a time to be alive.

Damn, what an amazing rally. Deuce here....

 

[NoleFam]

Djokovic needs more aggression. Thiem is leaving a lot of space and he is not adjusting and ripping these shots.

 

[mike danny]

Novak seemed a bit slow when he stretched to that BH. He is definitely not 2011/2015 Novak anymore in terms of defense.

 

[Deleted member 762343]

What a point.

 

[Red Rick]

What a point

 

[MeatTornado]

When Thiem starts to actually think out there, it becomes very dangerous for everyone else.

Good God, it's learning...

 

[Steve0904]

Nice start.

 

[tennis_pro]

That's the bashing I like, great rally.

 

[Meles]

Nole! what a rally

 

[NoleFam]

That's more like it.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Novak finally wins a beast rally. Will this wake him up?

 

[Gazelle]

I have once seen Thiem play live and honestly he's one of the most impressive players to watch live. And that was 2 years ago, he's much better now. How I'd love to see him play live on clay.

 

[RS92]

Now we have a match

 

[Deleted member 77403]

Earth's Mightiest Point!

 

[Standaa]

Nole is getting better.

 

[Steve0904]

Another incredible point.

 

[Red Rick]

Interesting to see if Thiem can keep his head with points like these

 

[RF-18]

Noleeeee

 

[StrongRule]

And people are saying Djokovic is playing bad?

 

[MeatTornado]

I agree.

Who are you rooting for? I want Nadal to lose tomorrow (Fed coming for #2 ranking) and think Novak has the much better shot of defeating Nadal. So I'm with Novak today.

Unless Novak plays amazing today, I actually think Thiem has a better chance.

I'm also always looking for Novak to lose his stranglehold on #1, so I'd prefer he doesn't get those Final or potential 1000 points.

 

[BeatlesFan]

Thiem should have put away that overhead-- he may regret that!

 

[Red Rick]

Exit: Schmovak Schmokovic

Enter: The World #1.

 

[The Green Mile]

Back on serve, a couple of brilliant points from Novak back to back. Good stuff.

 

[RF-18]

VINTAGE Nole! He breaks Thiem down!