Djokovic breaks Thiem run, is first into final

Madrid, May 11

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic reached the final of the Madrid Open after seeing off last year's runner-up Dominic Thiem 7-6(2) 7-6(4) in a gruelling, high-quality encounter today that lasted two hours and 22 minutes. 

The Serbian will meet either five-time Madrid champion Rafael Nadal, the world No. 2, or Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final after producing his best tennis since winning the Australian Open in January.

Djokovic, winner in Madrid in 2011 and 2016, was fully rested after his quarterfinal opponent Marin Cilic had withdrawn because of food poisoning, while Thiem had to dig deep to beat Roger Federer in a gruelling three-setter.

Thiem, who had won the Barcelona Open last month and was on an eight-match winning streak, struck an early blow by breaking Djokovic in the fourth game but the Serbian responded by winning the next three games and saved two break points in the eighth.

The Serbian won the first tiebreak comfortably after some poor shot selections from Thiem but was in trouble in the second set when he trailed 4-2. He immediately broke back and had the chance to serve for the match at 6-5 but squandered the opportunity with a double fault.

Yet once again Djokovic had the edge in the tiebreak, earning three match points and taking the first one as Thiem smashed a baseline backhand well out, booking his place in a first final since winning the Australian Open.

Federer to play in Rome

Roger Federer, who lost a thrilling quarterfinal clash against Thiem last night, announced on social media today that he has decided to take his place in the draw at the Italian Open in Rome.

“Just finished speaking to the team and happy to say I’m coming back to Rome to play in Italy,” Federer said on a video posted on his Twitter handle. “I can’t wait, it’s so exciting. It’s been too long.”

The former No. 1’s original plans were to only compete at Madrid and Roland Garros during his first clay-court season since 2016. But Federer entered the Rome draw and will compete at the Foro Italico for the 17th time. 

Federer owns a 32-16 record at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, and he will pursue his first title at the event. The third seed will begin his campaign against 2018 Next Gen ATP Finals qualifier Frances Tiafoe or Portuguese No. 1 Joao Sousa. — Agencies