History Made, Thiem First Austrian Into US Open Semifinals

Dominic Thiem (photo: Pete Staples/USTA

WASHINGTON, September 11, 2020 (by Michael Dickens)

When second seed Dominic Thiem beat Alex de Minaur to secure the final berth in the men’s US Open semifinals, he made some history on Wednesday inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The World No. 3 became the first Austrian to reach a US Open semifinal round – ever. When you look back on recent history, Thomas Muster and Jurgen Melzer never made to the final four. Neither did Barbara Schett or Barbara Paulus.

On Friday evening, Thiem will face third seed Daniil Medvedev for a berth in Sunday’s championship final.

Thiem’s 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over the 21st seed de Minaur was his second against the Sydney native after beating him in the 2017 US Open first round. The 21-year-old de Minaur was attempting to become the youngest US Open semifinalist since Juan Martín del Potro in 2009.

“I had a great feeling from the first moment on,” said Thiem, 26, a native of WienerNeustadt, Austria. Thiem served 11 aces, hit 44 winners and converted seven of 13 break-point opportunities in his win over de Minaur.

With Novak Djokovic disqualified, Roger Federer recovering from knee surgery and Rafael Nadal opting to not travel to the United States during the pandemic to defend his 2019 title, it means a new Grand Slam men’s champion will be crowned at the US Open for the first time since Marin Cilic in 2014.

“There is no Roger, Rafa or Novak, but there is Daniil, Sascha and Pablo. They are three amazing players. Every single one of us deserves his first major title,” said Thiem during after his quarterfinal victory. “Everyone will give it all and that’s what’s on the mind. Once we step on the court, the other three are forgotten anyway.”

WTA adds Premier tournament in Czech Republic

On Thursday, the WTA announced an addition to its 2020 schedule by adding a Premier level tournament in October.

The J&T Banka Ostrava Open 2020 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, a Premier level tournament, will be held the week of October 19. The Ostravar Arena will host the indoor hard court tournament from October 19-25. Players will compete for $528,500 in prize money.

The J&T Banka Ostrava Open tournament will feature a 28-player singles main draw and a 16-team doubles draw. Also, there will be a 24-player qualifying draw held October 17-18 with six players earning spots in the main draw.

The revolving WTA coaching door

Remembering history

On location: Rome

By the numbers

What they’re sharing on social media

Petra Kvitova / Enjoying life’s simple pleasures

Barbora Strycova / I made it to Rome!

Elise Mertens / Thank you @usopen