2021 has created several popcorn-worthy tennis matchups in the first half of the tennis season. Extending the list, Austrian ace Dominic Thiem will challenge American ace-master John Isner in the Mutua Madrid Open 2021 quarterfinals.

Both deserve the place in the semifinal equally. But since tennis can have one winner only, they will need to go all-in to win this match.

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Dominic Thiem vs. John Isner: Preview

Austrian World No.4 Dominic Thiem returned after a month-long break from tennis in Madrid. Thus, one naturally expected rustiness around the edges of his game. However, his sharpness in the previous matches told a different story.

Thiem defeated American Marcos Giron and Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. Moreover, he took both of them down in two hours and 52 minutes only.

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On the other side, the American World No.39 is playing his fourth tournament of the year. Despite playing fewer tournaments, John Isner is calm, composed, and concise as ever.

Isner outlived Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, and in-form Russian Andrey Rublev. Incredibly, he has also hit 89 aces in the three matches.

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Thiem vs. Isner: Head-to-Head

The reigning US Open champion leads 2-1 against Isner in head-to-head battles. But it has been more than three years since they last met on a tennis court.

Their last encounter happened in the 2017 Laver Cup round-robin matches, where Thiem defeated the American 6-7(15), 7-6(2), 10-7.

Thiem vs. Isner: Prediction

Inarguably, Thiem is one of the best active clay-courters on the ATP Tour. Moreover, his single-handed backhand has become even more lethal at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021.

Therefore, it is clear that the Austrian will look to dominate Isner with the help of his backhand. Additionally, Thiem thrives close to the lines, which will create undesirable problems for the American.

However, Isner has been overpowering his opponents with his big serve for more than a decade. It is unquestionably one of the deadliest weapons in the men’s circuit.

Consequently, the American will need to stay with his A-game and not allow Thiem more time with the ball. But given his last two matches being long three-setters, the challenge for him would be to keep up the intensity.

All in all, it would be a toe-to-toe battle between the two. And less fatigue is the only advantage that Thiem will have over Isner going into this match.

Prediction: Thiem to reach Madrid semifinals in three sets.

“Still Lack the Rhythm” – Dominic Thiem on Moving Into the Quarterfinal at Mutua Madrid Open 2021