Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed Dominic Thiem’s homecoming party in Vienna, delivering a solid performance to defeat the local favorite. The Greek player saved all three break points he faced and won the match 7-6(5), 6-4. Tsitsipas will now face Tomas Machac in the second round.
In a post-match interview, Tsitsipas acknowledged Thiem’s tough competition, stating that every match they have played this year has been intense. He had to come up with some great shots and endure physically demanding rallies. Despite Thiem stepping up his game in the second set, Tsitsipas remained composed and denied him the break he was seeking.
With this victory, Tsitsipas strengthens his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. He currently holds the sixth position in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin and has a 46-20 record in 2023.
Tsitsipas and Thiem have had two previous meetings this season, both of which were decided in deciding-set tie-breaks. Their clash in Vienna promised to be equally tight, with both players showcasing their skills in blistering baseline exchanges. However, Tsitsipas’ ability to deliver powerful serves at crucial moments proved to be the difference. He saved three break points and held for 1-1 in the second set.
Tsitsipas has an impressive 6-5 lead in his head-to-head rivalry with Thiem. He has not lost in the opening round of an indoor event since the 2021 Rolex Paris Masters. Although Tsitsipas has struggled recently, this win could be a turning point as he aims for his second tour-level title of the season in Vienna.
In other matches, qualifier Tomas Machac defeated Aleksandar Vukic 6-3, 6-1, improving his tour-level record to 7-7 for the season. Machac’s victory also propelled him 11 spots up in the rankings to No. 63. He is set to achieve a new career-high in the ATP Rankings next week.
Grigor Dimitrov, a semi-finalist in Vienna last year, continued his strong performance in opening rounds by defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4. Dimitrov won an impressive 80% of points behind his first serve, securing a 94-minute victory. He now holds a 36-19 record for 2023 and will face either Daniil Medvedev or Arthur Fils in his next match. Medvedev had defeated Dimitrov in the semi-finals of the Vienna tournament last year.