ATP Madrid: Thiem vs. Federer - a drama with two winners
The quarterfinal duel between Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid was unsurpassed in drama. In the end, the Austrian had the better end after defending two match balls - in a way, both players can still feel like winners.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit:
May 10, 2019, 08:51 pm
by Nikolaus Fink from Madrid
"Losing after match balls is the worst," said Roger Federer after his unfortunate quarter-final loss to Dominic Thiem . The Swiss citizen clearly noted: This defeat hurt really. Less than 20 minutes after the end of the match, the 20-time Grand Slam winner was already in the PK room and made no move to hide his disappointment.
This unconditional will to win matches still distinguishes the 37-year-old and makes him one of the most feared opponents of all players, even on clay. Dominic Thiem, who praised his opponent in the highest tones after the game, felt this too: "I said in every interview that he is an incredible clay court player," the Austrian told Tennisnet.com and other German-speaking media representatives.
"He grew up on sand in Switzerland and knows how to move on sand. Because he's Federer, he's an absolute title candidate wherever he plays. That also applies to Roland Garros," added Thiem.
Federer with a good feeling to Paris
The Swiss himself, who still has to think about a gig in Rome, did not want to be dragged into the favorites for the French Open in his press conference. He feels good, but the goal in Paris remains the same: to reach the second week or the quarter-finals.
With performances similar to those in Madrid, Federer can also be trusted at the Stade de Roland Garros - a feeling he should not have had at the beginning of the week. Therefore, despite the bitter defeat, the maestro can at least feel like a small winner.