2020 Australian Open SF: Thiem vs. Zverev
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For Thiem, he has to find a way to dent Zverev's serve. During the baseline rallies, he has to go forehand to forehand cross court rallies because Zverev's backhand is too solid especially when defending. Those slice backhands will not work at all...
I am also surprised on how Zverev's forehand is keeping up in this match so far. He is not hitting hit hard but he is finding the correct angles and spots.
mrzz
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I think the slice is working and will work, as Zverev is not able to hit winners out of it, and not even able to put Thiem out of position out of it. The next shot generally opens up the forehand for Thiem... problem is his overall level simply not high enough and Zverev playing well for his part.
Welp! Zverev just donated that break...2 DFs and 2 forehand unforced errors. That's one way to lose momentum...
MargaretMcAleer
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Let me clarify: It will work but he can't use too much because while Zverev can not hit winners out of the slices, Zverev can redirect those slices and put Thiem out of position (sometimes).
Bonaca
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Vince Evert
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BORING !!! BORING !! To this point this SF has been below average and error ridden. Am giving up and switching channels and find something else to view. Enjoy the tennis folks. Hope the standard picks up for ya 
MargaretMcAleer
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BORING !!! BORING !! To this point this SF has been below average and error ridden. Am giving up and switching channels and find something else to view. Enjoy the tennis folks. Hope the standard picks up for ya
Bye for Now!
The good news so far in this match is that there are not a lot of long rallies. We will see if it continues...
mrzz
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Yes, that will be this particular battle. Thiem is betting that he can deal with whatever Zverev does with those slices, while Zverev should try to do exactly what you wrote. Point is if you can slice against Nadal you can slice against anyone.
mrzz
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Isn’t it because of Zverev s play?
Always the first thing anyone should think but in this case I don't think is particularly true, even if Zverev is obviously doing his part and playing well.
MargaretMcAleer
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Thiem has to serve better...Zverev is just putting the ball back in play with ease...
Two beautiful returns from Zverev in that game and he breaks back in the 2nd set.
Two beautiful returns from Zverev in that game and he breaks back in the 2nd set.
MargaretMcAleer
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Another break,this is a sloppy 2nd set from both players,on this form they have not a chance against Novak.
Zverev's serve has cooled off and it has allowed Thiem to gain some rhythm on the baseline rallies. Thiem breaks and leads 4-3 in the 2nd set...
Big part of it is nerves...I could sense that they are pressing with their shots especially Thiem.
MargaretMcAleer
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This is the 2nd set,surely by now nerves should not be playing a part? first set understandable.
True but you gotta remember that they know what are the stakes in here and both of them are somewhat uncharted territory (especially for Zverev).
