MELBOURNE, Feb 2, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Defending champion Novak Djokovic
will look to hammer home his dominance of the Australian Open when he takes
on Austria’s Dominic Thiem looking for a record-extending eighth title on
Sunday.
The Serb has proved indomitable in finals at Rod Laver Arena, winning
seven out of seven since he claimed the first Major title of his career on
the famous blue hardcourt in 2008.
The 32-year-old comes into the decider with 16 Grand Slam crowns and
hoping to close the gap on Rafael Nadal’s 19 and Roger Federer’s 20, the all-
time record.
Facing him across the net is a new Melbourne finalist in Thiem, 26, who
was runner-up at the last two French Opens but is contesting his first Grand
Slam title match on hardcourts.
Thiem dubbed Djokovic the “king of Australia”, owing to his peerless
history at the tournament, but the record shows that the Austrian could and
should trouble the Serb.
Although Djokovic leads their career head-to-head 6-4, Thiem has won
four of the last five and he came from a set down to beat him on hardcourts
at the ATP Finals in November.
Not only that, but Thiem shocked top-ranked Nadal in four sets in the
quarter-finals in Melbourne, underlining a vastly improved hardcourt game
which accounted for Federer in the Indian Wells final last year.
“It’s a big motivation to beat players like Nadal, number one in the
world, in the centre court in a Slam,” said Thiem’s coach, Nicolas Massu.
“Always make you so happy because you work for this. Now he’s looking
forward for the (final). Everyone knows that it is difficult to play against
Nole (Djokovic) because he’s an unbelievable player.
“But if Dominic is in the final it’s because he deserves it.”
– Positive energy –
Djokovic is the first to admit that Thiem has successfully refined his
game over the past 12 months to compete on all surfaces.
And he acknowledges it is just a matter of time before the Austrian, who
has a heavy forehand and a one-handed backhand, coupled with speed and superb
fitness, wins a Slam.
“I don’t think he’s really anymore ‘next generation’. He’s been around
for many years. Now already he’s an established top-five, top-10 player,”
said Djokovic.
“It’s just a matter of one match here and there that can potentially
give him a Grand Slam title, that he can actually get in the mix of top three
in the world.”
Despite his praise for Thiem, Djokovic is banking on adding yet another
Australian Open title to his collection, and heads into the final with an
extra day’s rest after dispatching an injured Federer in his semi-final on
Thursday.
The world number two has been firing ever since arriving in Australia a
month ago and was unbeaten over six ATP Cup singles matches as he led Serbia
to the inaugural title ahead of the Australian Open.
“Yes, I’m pleased with the way I’ve been feeling and playing. I thought
ATP Cup went really well for me, got a lot of hours spent on the court,
singles and doubles,” he said.
“Obviously got a lot of positive energy from that competition. I dropped
only one set so far up to the finals.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to perform as well as I always have in the
Australian Open finals.”