2017 RG Quarterfinals: Thiem vs. Djokovic

[atttomole]

Unlike Ferrer, I think Thiem has a lot more easy power in his shots, which can allow him to overpower his opponents.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

I'm impressed with Thiem. Of course, this match is far from over, with Djokovic down just one break in the second set.

 

[Haelfix]

Thiem has a better serve than Ferrer, and a little more balance on his groundstrokes (Ferrer has a monster inside/out, but struggles when opponents pin him)

 

[El Dude]

Well I'm not saying Thiem won't win big, I think he will - but mainly because he gets to play this version of Novak. Dial back 23 year old Thiem to five years ago, and he is no more successful than those older second tier guys.

On the other hand, he doesn't have that perennial "also ran" that the older second tier guys have. But go back eight years, and maybe Tsonga feels like Thiem does now: just needing a really hot streak and a bit of luck to pull off a major.

 

[El Dude]

And just to be clear: as I said in the first post I mentioned this, I am NOT comparing Thiem's style to Ferrer's, but his level and overall ability. Maybe a closer comp is Tsonga - again, not the same game, but the fact that Tsonga had greater firepower than Ferrer, so there was more of a chance that he'd be able to get hot at the right time and win big. Ferrer was never going to win a major, not unless the miraculous happened and he faced someone like Nishikori or Berdych in the final.

 

[mrzz]

Crucial hold for Thiem. I knew Djokovic would throw everything at him on this game (to get to 5x2), and he held, despite some fantastic returns by Djokovic.

 

[Haelfix]

There's something reminiscent of early 2ks claycourt tennis when I watch Thiem play. People have gotten away from that style a little bit, but you notice it with his court positioning (he isn't afraid to walk back a few steps and take a big crack at the ball).

 

[El Dude]

I like how he tries to shorten points - this is a big contrast to Rafa and Novak.

 

[El Dude]

I wonder how Roger would have fared against Thiem on clay. That would be an interesting matchup.

 

[britbox]

Thiem's Finding those DTL backhands - some pearlers and they are really hurting Novak.

 

[El Dude]

OK, off to bed.

 

[mrzz]

I am NOT comparing Thiem's style to Ferrer's, but his level and overall ability.

I got that, that's where we might disagree. Of course, he still is young and this could prove to be precisely true (if the big 3 would stay there forever...), but from precisely the level (and the attitude) that I have seen him bring against Nadal I suspect he might be a step above that.

 

[Haelfix]

He's giving me Kuerten flashbacks a little bit actually.

 

[Puppet Master]

This is reminiscent of the 2011 RG SF. Fed was just schooling Djokovic, hitting winners left and right and Novak just had no response. He used a big dip in play by Fed to win a set , but overall Fed just blitzed him. Same as Thiem is doing now.
Surprisingly, Thiem's intensity has remained the same more or less. He is even pressing for a break point in the third set. Marvellous.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

I'm very impressed with Thiem, and how he closed out that second set (DF notwithstanding). Up a break now in the third, and it's getting very difficult to see Djokovic coming back from this.

I honestly didn't see Thiem getting past Djokovic, but would be pleased if he did - he and Nadal have been the best players on clay this year, so it's fitting to see them battle it out in the SF.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

Djokovic broken to love. Thiem up two sets and a double break. :scratch:

 

[atttomole]

It looks like this match is over now, with Theim having 2 breaks in the third set.

 

[britbox]

I didn't see Thiem getting past Djoker either - intensity has been off the charts. He was similar against Nadal in Rome. Let's hope he retains it (he didn't in Rome) in the semis... (assuming he gets there of course, which is looking pretty much a done deal right now).

 

[atttomole]

Djokovic has given up. He is now thinking about Wimbledon.

 

[mightyjeditribble]

Another break point for Thiem ... and Djokovic goes wide. 5-0 Thiem; bagel here we come.