Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the ATP Finals, the world number 1 is still trying to understand what was being won from him after Dominic Thiem’s last ball shot in the epic match against.
The world number 1 is eyeing to become the second player to win the ATP Finals for the sixth time and match Roger Federer’s achievement. But hopes were dashed in the hands of Thiem, who fought it out to claim a tough 7-5 6-7 7-6 win.
Their epic battle began from scratch when the world number 1 lost the first set and had to secure four match points to force the second set tiebreaker.
They even fought fiercely in the deciding set and the Serbian tennis star looked ready to advance to the final eighth ATP Finals when he took a 4/0 lead in the decisive set tiebreaker.
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But 2020 US Open champion Thiem had a different idea when he snatched six points in a row before posting a place in the final of the season-ending tournament for the second straight time.
“I mean, what he did from 0/4 in the third set tiebreak was not real,” admitted Novak Djokovic, choking up a little.
“I don’t think that I played badly. Actually, I managed to get all of my first serves, 4/1, 4/2, 4/5, 4/6, I did it.”
But the issue isn’t what the 2020 Australian Open champions do or don’t do. Thiem appears to find another level of play when under pressure, stealing backhand winners and sending opponents running from one corner to another.
“Yes, what can you do? I was 4/0 ahead, I thought I was so close to winning it, but he took it from me. But he deserves it, because he fought it out and everything is working well for him,” explained Djokovic.
“He played right from 0/4. I didn’t actually play badly on any points after 0/4. I returned the ball, I wasn’t in a rush, but he hit it really hard and played amazing.”
It was an epic match for the Serbian national who said goodbye to London’s O2 Arena, where he claimed the ATP Finals title four times in a row (2012-2015, including the 2008 season in Shanghai).
However, he is now looking forward to the next season and the opportunity to add to his collection of the ATP Finals title when the season-ending tournament is held at a new venue located in Turin in the 2021 season.
“I’m not really happy that this season is over. I feel disappointed to finish this season with a defeat like this. But at the same time, I enjoy competing, traveling, and the things I love. We’ll see what will happen in the 2021 season,” said Djokovic.
