Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem ATP Finals 2020: Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Follow Us
Previous history would matter little when Novak Djokovic plays Dominic Thiem in the first semi-final of the ATP Finals on Saturday afternoon.
Novak Djokovic holds head-to-head lead over Dominic Thiem
The Serb holds a comfortable 7-4 lead over the Austrian in head-to-head battles. However, one suspects it won’t have a bearing on the outcome of the last-four tie.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Though trailing in the head-to-head count, Thiem beat Djokovic at the ATP Finals last year.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Hence, the Serb would be wary of an encore as he goes to battle at the spectator-less O2 Arena on Saturday.
Djokovic started off his campaign with a facile win over Diego Schwartzman.
‘Definitely a match i will never forget..’@ThiemDomi goes into his clash with Djokovic with a lot of positive memories 🤗#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/bcnD3P50v1
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 20, 2020
Novak’s topsy-turvy ATP Finals campaign
However, his game strangely fell away in the straight-set loss to Daniil Medvedev. The tall Russian bossed the second round-robin tie from the word go to win 6-3, 6-3.
Novak Djokovic Outlasts Alexander Zverev to Qualify for the Semifinals of ATP Finals 2020
The match statistics showed how much the Serb struggled to impose himself on the big Russian.
“To all the tennis fans: We miss you very much.” ❤️ @DjokerNole #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/9y5KojVU8s
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 20, 2020
Djokovic had more unforced errors to his name and his first-serve percentage was also down 63%. The Serb couldn’t capitalize on the single break-point he had in the entire game.
However, Medvedev scored 3 out of 8. Though he improved on his stats marginally in his win over German Alexander Zverev on Friday, Djokovic didn’t tick all the boxes.
His first-serve percentage hovered around 67%, while he won only 16 receiving points to the Russian’s 24.
Thiem has the edge over the Serb on current form
Thiem, on current form, will hold a slight edge over the Serb.
The Austrian played splendidly well to ground out a tough three-set win over defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening game.
The reigning US Open champion then aced the test of nerves against Rafael Nadal in a tense 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-4) finish in his second round-robin tie.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So, expect Thiem to hold no pre-match jitters when he battles the top-seed on Saturday. The fatigue factor would also worry the Djokovic contingent ahead of the last-four tie.
The Serb will be in action less than 24 hours after a gruelling 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) finish over Tsitsipas on Friday. Hence, Djokovic might look to attack Thiem’s serve from the outset and score quick points off him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thiem, on the other hand, would look to engage the Serb in long rallies and test his stamina and fitness.
However, what’s guaranteed is that both players would look to push their limits and throw everything at each other in this winner-takes-all tie.