“Big Surprise for Me”: Dominic Thiem on Reaching First Semifinal of 2021 at Mutua Madrid Open

Published 05/08/2021, 12:24 AM EDT

After a disappointing start to his 2021 campaign, Dominic Thiem had decided to take a month-long break. But he is back now and has even surprised himself, reaching the Mutua Madrid Open semifinals.

In the quarterfinals, the Austrian World No.4 faced American ace-master John Isner, who won the opening set. Recovering from the loss, Thiem came through 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

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Dominic Thiem on his run at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021

One of the other reasons why Dominic Thiem took a break from tennis is a lack of motivation. Seemingly, he has found it now but did not anticipate that it will work out well.

In the post-match press conference, an interviewer inquired whether he is surprised to be among the last four in Madrid. The 2020 US Open champion gave his affirmation.

“Yes, I am surprised to be in the semifinals; I didn’t expect that,” Dominic said.

Contrarily, it is harder for his fans to believe that he will play his first semifinal of the 2021 season. But according to the Austrian, he got more than he bargained.

“I was expecting to hopefully play one or two good matches here against top opponents,” he added. “And now I am in the semis and facing Rafa or Sascha tomorrow.”

Conclusively, Thiem is happy to have received more match reps than expected. However, he remained in disbelief with the outcome.

“So that’s amazingly good to get at least four matches on a top level. But it’s also a big surprise for me, and definitely didn’t expect that,” the Austrian ended.

In the semifinal, Thiem will lock horns with his 2020 US Open final opponent Alexander Zverev.

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What are Thiem’s chances to win the title in Madrid?

Thiem has an 8-2 record against the German on the ATP Tour. But interestingly, one of his two losses came at the 2018 Madrid Open final.

Thus, the Austrian would want to level terms with Sascha on Madrid soil. In response, Zverev, who upset Rafael Nadal in the quarters, will also use an all-out attack strategy.

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If Thiem clears the Zverev test, the title will seemingly come closer to his grasp. He will meet either 22-year-old Casper Ruud or World No.10 Matteo Berrettini in the final.

Do you think Dominic Thiem will win the Madrid Open 2021 title?

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Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

“Big Surprise for Me”: Dominic Thiem on Reaching First Semifinal of 2021 at Mutua Madrid Open

Dominic Thiem on his run at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021

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What are Thiem’s chances to win the title in Madrid?