Dominic Thiem is known for his powerful play from the baseline area. But there was one shot that proved critical in the semifinals of the 2020 ATP Finals.
This was the backhand slice he showed on his way to defeating world number 1 Novak Djokovic.
“If that shot wasn’t there, I think one important aspect of my game would have disappeared,” admitted Thiem.
Djokovic overwhelmed the US Open champions this season in the tiebreak third set, but the backhand slice helped the Austrian to get out of the pinhole.
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From 0/4, the world number 3 has fired at least a backhand slice in the next four rallies to claim 6/4.
“That shot is definitely one of the most important strokes in my game. I like to use the slice on all surfaces. But here, the bounce is quite low. It’s a fast pitch, so, it’s the right choice, especially to change from a defensive position to a neutral position again. That punch really helped me in this match,” said Dominic Thiem.
On several occasions, last season’s ATP Finals runner-up used a backhand slice as bait before releasing a powerful forehand. At 1/4 and 5/4, the world number 3 neutralized Djokovic’s attack with a backhand slice before picking up a winner.
“I think at 3/4 I shot an impressive slice and hit the line, which was an important shot in my game. I think I managed to improve it and I trained it a lot,” added Thiem.
The world number 1 also realized the efficacy of the Austrian backhand slice.
“What he did from 0/4 in the tiebreak third set was unbelievable. I mean, I don’t think I played badly. All his returns came in from both angles and he played some very short slices,” said Djokovic.
All eyes are always on the incredible strength of last season’s ATP Finals runners-up. The 27-year-old tennis player shot a winner at crucial moments in the semifinal match. However, 26 per cent of the Austrian national’s groundstrokes were slices, higher than Djokovic’s only 9 per cent and that played a big part in the world number 3’s victory.
