World No. 4 Dominic Thiem faced Aslan Karatsev for the first time at ATP level on Wednesday, but then insisted the Russian was no stranger to him. Thiem, seed No.
1, recovered from a set to beat Australian Open semi-finalist Karatsev by 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 and to advance to the Doha quarter-final . “We played in the juniors 10 or 11 years ago, and we also trained in Vienna, so he was not completely new to me,” Thiem revealed after beating Karatsev, according to the website. ‘ATP.
“But he’s been so high in the last six months, especially last month in Australia.” Thiem led 5-2 in the first set tie-break before Karatsev won five straight points to reverse the deficit and win the opening round.
After losing a tight first set, Thiem broke Karatsev in the opening game of the second set, then retained his serve to force a decider. In the third set, Thiem broke Karatsev twice to complete his comeback.
“I was in the tie-break and then I lost him, which wasn’t cool, but he helped me a bit in that first game (of the second set),” Thiem added. that he hit two double faults.
After losing a close set it is very important to have a good start in the next one. And that’s what I got. It was pretty quick, 3-0, so I was positive again in my mind.
I also relaxed a bit and started to play better. ”
They are happy to see Roger Federer back on the Tour
20-time Grand Slam champion Federer underwent two knee surgeries last year and started his 2021 season this Wednesday in Doha.
“I think that is the case with every tennis player, I too who am a bit of a rival, I am also a fan of him. I love to watch him play, I also love to learn from him and I will probably see a set or more live tonight, because I’m excited about it, ”Dominic Thiem said of Roger Federer’s return, according to George Bellshaw.
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