Dominic Thiem will go down as one of the greatest ‘what ifs’ in tennis. At one point, the Austrian was the favorite to take over from the ‘Big 3’ in the world of tennis. However, he had literally retired from the sport before all those three members waved goodbye to the tennis. Roger Federer retired in 2022, Rafael Nadal will retire at the end of this year’s Davis Cup, and Novak Djokovic is still going strong. Although Thiem’s career was cut short by a wrist injury, the 31-year-old provided some tantalizing contests throughout the course of his career. Here are five of his best matches on the tour.
1. 2020 Australian Open Quarterfinal vs Rafael Nadal
Thiem’s quarterfinal victory over Nadal at the 2020 Australian Open was one of the most significant wins of his career. Thiem edged the Spaniard in an intense, four-hour and ten-minute battle, prevailing 7-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6. This was the 31-year-old’s first hard-court win against the left-hander and his maiden victory over the Spaniard at a Grand Slam, having lost to him six times previously.
Thiem’s aggressive shot-making and powerful groundstrokes made the difference, as he hit 14 aces compared to Nadal’s 11. The 2020 US Open champion won 78% of his first serve points, outperforming Nadal’s 69%. The Austrian excelled in the tiebreaks, winning all three, while Nadal was unable to claim any. Thiem also dominated in return games, winning 29 returning points compared to his opponent’s 13.
The match was incredibly close, with Thiem narrowly leading in total points won (148 to 143) and games won (25 to 24). His relentless performance, especially on Nadal’s serve, earned him a memorable victory and a spot in the semifinals, making him the first Austrian to reach the Australian Open semis. He would eventually make the final, losing to Djokovic in five sets.
2. 2019 ATP World Tour Finals vs Novak Djokovic
Thiem’s group-stage match against Djokovic at the 2019 ATP World Tour Finals was a thrilling encounter that saw the former World No.3 emerge victorious 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 after a tense final-set tiebreak. This win was crucial for Thiem as he not only outplayed one of the greatest returners in the sport but also asserted himself as a genuine contender in the tournament.
Thiem’s aggressive approach led him to convert all four of his break points, while Djokovic managed only three out of nine. Thiem’s second-serve win percentage (56%) narrowly outshone Djokovic’s (53%). Both players claimed one tiebreak each, but Thiem came out on top in the decisive third-set breaker.
The Austrian won 110 total points to Djokovic’s 108, reflecting how closely matched the two were. Thiem also led in service points won (76 to Djokovic’s 59) and games won (19 to 16), highlighting his superior consistency throughout the contest.
3. 2019 Roland Garros Semifinal vs Novak Djokovic
In one of the most grueling and dramatic matches of his career, Thiem defeated World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Roland Garros semifinal with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, 5-7, 7-5. The victory secured Thiem’s second consecutive Roland Garros final appearance and ended Djokovic’s 26-match Grand Slam winning streak.
Thiem’s ability to maintain his composure and hit big shots under pressure was key. He converted 9 out of 22 break points, compared to Djokovic’s 7 out of 12. Thiem’s first and second serve percentages were strong, winning 65% of his first serve points and 64% on his second, while Djokovic managed 62% and 55%, respectively.
The match was tight throughout, with Thiem winning 167 points compared to Djokovic’s 159. Thiem’s resilience and determination were exemplified by his 12 consecutive points won at one stage, which helped him take control in the decisive moments. This match is often remembered for its intensity and Thiem’s ability to outlast Djokovic on clay.
4. 2019 Indian Wells Final vs Roger Federer
Thiem’s 2019 Indian Wells final victory over Roger Federer marked a breakthrough moment in his career, as he secured his first ATP Masters 1000 title by defeating the Swiss legend 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. It was a major milestone for Thiem, who had previously fallen short in two Masters finals.
Thiem’s backhand was lethal throughout the match, allowing him to dictate play and force Federer into uncomfortable positions. He hit 24 winners, using his groundstrokes to open up the court and outmaneuver Federer in key moments. The Austrian was particularly clutch on break points, converting 3 out of 4 opportunities, while Federer managed just 2 out of 11.
Thiem won 95 points in total, compared to Federer’s 86, and won 16 games to Federer’s 14. His ability to turn the tide after losing the first set and his composure in the final set made this a defining victory. It was Thiem’s 12th career title and his first major triumph on hard courts since 2016.
5. 2017 Roland Garros Quarter Final vs Novak Djokovic
Thiem’s quarterfinal victory over Novak Djokovic at the 2017 Roland Garros marked his first career win over the Serbian and a breakthrough at the highest level of tennis. Thiem dismantled Djokovic 7-6, 6-3, 6-0, dominating the defending champion and signaling his arrival as a serious threat on clay.
After a physically demanding 73-minute first set, which Thiem won in a tiebreak, the Austrian took full control of the match. He broke Djokovic six times and won 70% of his first serve points, while Djokovic struggled to keep pace, winning just 57% of his first serves. Thiem’s dominance was particularly evident in the final set, where he handed Djokovic his first bagel in a Grand Slam since 2005.
Thiem won 105 points to Djokovic’s 81, including 51 return points to Djokovic’s 28. This win meant the Serb won’t hold any of the four Grand Slam titles he held at this point last year as Thiem set up a semifinal clash with Nadal. This was one of the three matches he had with the Spaniard on the Paris clay.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports
