‘I was already dealing with the loss,’ says Dominic Thiem after incredible comeback against Nick Kyrgios

He found himself two sets and two break points down in the first game of the third set, but Dominic Thiem somehow got out of jail to beat Nick Kyrgios in a five-set marathon at the Australian Open.
US Open champion Thiem was up against it early on as the Australian showman threw everything from drop shots to underarm serves at him and it worked a charm for the local hero.
Kyrgios broke in the opening game of the first set and in game nine of the second set to take a commanding 6-4, 6-4 lead. He was in the ascendency early in the third set at 15-40 on the Thiem serve.
ALL FIRED UP 😤@NickKyrgios has raced to a two sets to love lead 😱🇦🇺#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/XZDiii5XeN
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 12, 2021
However, the US Open champion held firm and managed to turn things around to win 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
During his on-court interview the third-seeded Thiem admits in his mind he was already dealing with defeat early in the second set.
“Honestly, I was already dealing with the loss. First of all, playing against Nick and his favourite crowd – there are easier things to do. That’s one of the toughest challenges in our sport. You never know what is coming. He’s a huge player when he’s on fire like today.”
“Giving up is never an option, there is always a chance”@ThiemDomi‘s spirit was never broken 💪🇦🇹#AusOpen | #AO2021 pic.twitter.com/I797JvA14S
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 12, 2021
Thiem, of course, also found himself two sets down in the US Open final against Alexander Zverev in September and turned things around to win his maiden major.
“That match at the US Open showed me that giving up is never an option, there is always a chance. Today I was so close to losing, if he breaks me in the first game of the third set the match is over, but I was fighting still,” he said.
“With the break in the third set I realised that maybe there is a chance to turn it around.
“I also got used to his game, to the court, the great atmosphere and the longer the match went, the more comfortable I felt.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray shows reals signs of promise despite defeat to Andrey Rublev
There were certainly encouraging signs for Murray, who came through the physical test against the big-hitting fourth seed.
-
News
Angry Andy Murray loses to world number eight Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
The three-time grand slam winner smashed his racket into the ground as he was beaten 7-5 6-2.
-
ATP Tour
ATP announces ‘Covid Protection Ranking’ amid ongoing restrictions
ATP announces new system and some tweaks to other systems.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Turning his back on play, brilliant winners, racket smashing from Daniil Medvedev as he loses
Daniil Medvedev entertains, even when he loses.
-
ATP Tour
‘I just don’t feel well here’ – Alexander Zverev’s Rotterdam woes continue as he bemoans early exit
Early exit for Alexander Zverev in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis Features
As football’s VAR struggles continue, tennis celebrates 15 years of Hawk-Eye’s electronic line calling system
Hawk-Eye in tennis, some like it, some don’t.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal vows he will continue to play tennis as long as he is ‘healthy and able to compete’
Rafael Nadal on retirement.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman says ‘mesmerising’ Roger Federer ‘won’t just make up the numbers’ upon his return
Tim Henman on Roger Federer’s comeback.
-
ATP Tour
Andrey Rublev expects ‘fun’ match against ‘true legend’ Andy Murray as Scot praises Russian’s work ethic
Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray sing each other’s praises.
-
ATP Tour
Stefanos Tsitsipas explains how change in mindset helped him to turn things around in Rotterdam opener
Stefanos Tsitsipas shows some fight in Rotterdam win.