LONDON, Nov. 12 -- Austrian talent Dominic Thiem became the first player to reach the semifinals at ATP World Tour Finals after clinching a sensational win over world number two Novak Djokovic here on Tuesday.
Thiem stunned Swiss legend Roger Federer in straight sets last Sunday in his first match in Group Bjorn Borg, then came from behind to edge in-form Djokovic 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (5) this evening.
"This was really one of these special matches, what I've practiced all my life for, all my childhood for," said the 26-year-old Thiem, who reached the semifinals of the season finale for the first time after qualifying for the tournament four years in a row.
In the deciding set, Thiem and Djokovic both broke twice to make it 6-6. Thiem was 4-1 down in the tiebreak but chivalrously snatched five points consecutively to earn two match points. The five-time champion Djokovic managed to save the first one but could not resist the second after returning the ball outside.
"Probably it was the best match I ever played. It was a real classic and epic match which will happen from time to time at these big tournaments," said the world number five.
Djokovic agreed that Thiem just played a great match and "I have to put my hat down and congratulate him."
"I don't think I have experienced too many matches like this where my opponent just goes for every single shot," continued the Serbian. "I mean, he was unbelievable, and in some stages, it was just incredible that he was just literally smacking the ball as hard as he can and he was going in."
Earlier, Swiss legend Federer defeated tournament debutant Matteo Berrettini from Italy 7-6 (2), 6-3. As the six-time champion lost his first match to Thiem, he has to defeat Djokovic on Thursday to reach the semifinals.
The last round group match will be the 49th encounter between the two prolific players. Djokovic beat Federer in this year's Wimbledon final in a five-set thriller and leads the head-to-head 26-22.
有哪些很有用的街头智慧
永远别对自恋狂说这些话
常上夜班干扰身体节律 对肠胃破坏极大
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: China-Europe cooperation on aviation shifts into higher gear
体坛英语资讯:Martinez: Unity and adaptability keys for Belgian success
国际英语资讯:Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa preaches peace ahead of election
国际英语资讯:Libyan navy rescues 158 illegal immigrants off western coast
国际英语资讯:Kurdish PJAK claims responsibility for killing 11 IRGC forces in Iran
国内英语资讯:Senior CPC official urges better law enforcement and judicial work
国内英语资讯:Seminar opens in Xinjiang for senior editors from Silk Road Economic Belt countries
国际英语资讯:Trump, Putin content with summit despite lack of concrete results
体坛英语资讯:Hierro steps down as Spain boss
如何对付说话不算话的老板
“帮我翻译个东西吧”——“给钱吗兄dei?”
简单的30秒测试告诉你,你胖是不是因为碳水化合物!
体坛英语资讯:Ronaldo defends Neymar against play-acting claims
娱乐英语资讯:Mongolian baritone wins Chigiana Prize
国内英语资讯:Chinas emergencies ministry stresses flood preparedness, response
体坛英语资讯:England wary of world class Modric
国内英语资讯:Chinese president meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi on China-UAE ties
体坛英语资讯:Uganda targets medals at athletics World Junior Championships
国际英语资讯:Morocco sentences 18 suspects up to 20 years in jail for terror crimes
研究表明走路快的人比走路慢的人寿命长
国际英语资讯:UK PMs crucial EU trade bill scrapes through parliament after knife-edge vote
国内英语资讯:China Focus: CPC releases findings of latest disciplinary inspection
国内英语资讯:Xi arrives in Senegal for state visit
国际英语资讯:Israel strikes 2 Hamas positions, retaliating burning kites
晕车的人看过来 这款液体眼镜为你而生
体坛英语资讯:Five lessons that China can learn from the World Cup
东京奥运会和残奥会吉祥物名称揭晓