Stefanos Tsitsipas downs Dominic Thiem to win thrilling ATP year-end title in London
Greek youngster Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Dominic Thiem to win the ATP Finals at London’s 02.
The 21-year-old from Athens came from a set down to claim a stunning 6-7 (6) 6-2 7-6 (4) victory.
Tsitsipas is the youngest winner of the prestigious season-ending tournament since Lleyton Hewitt in 2001, and the youngest debutant to lift the trophy since John McEnroe back in 1978.
Tsisipas was the aggressor from the start, dropping just three points in his opening three service games while forcing the first break point, from which Thiem escaped with a swish of his forehand.
There were further chances to break for both players, Tsitsipas serving and volleying his way out of trouble and Thiem finding his first serve when he needed it.
A tie-break was required to separate them, and when the score reached 7-6 each player had won 44 points. But crucially, Thiem had the ball in his hand and an unreturnable first serve clinched the opening set.
Yet if that was tight, the second was a walkover as Tsitsipas broke twice, raced into a 4-0 lead and confidently served it out.
The first set had taken over an hour, the second lasted 26 minutes in a blur of shaggy hair and flamboyant shot-making, and all Thiem’s good work had unravelled.
When Thiem netted a backhand Tsitsipas had an early break in the decider, but the Greek began bearing gifts and three wayward backhands allowed Thiem to draw level.
The powerful one-handed backhands were out in force from both players in the tie-break, but it was a horrible, wafted forehand from Thiem which handed Tsitsipas the initiative, and a memorable victory was wrapped up in two hours and 34 minutes.
Tsitsipas said: “I was playing with nerves, it’s such a big event.
“I was a break up in the third set, but couldn’t hold it, but I’m so relieved with this outstanding performance I gave on the court.
“It’s phenomenal, unbelievable to have such an army behind me, they give me energy, and belief, and I just love that.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me with a Greek flags and made me feel at home.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WimbledonSonay Kartal ready to impress at Wimbledon: ‘I’ve always believed my tennis was Grand Slam level’
Sonay Kartal is one of four British Wimbledon debutants in the singles draws.
-
WimbledonWimbledon order of play, TV info: What time are Novak Djokovic, Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray playing?
The Wimbledon day one TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
WimbledonSerena Williams after ‘rough injury experience’: ‘I didn’t retire. I needed to heal physically, mentally’
After a “rough” injury, everything “just worked out” for Serena Williams to play at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonEmma Raducanu ‘to play a like a kid who just loves playing tennis’ as she readies to realise Centre Court ‘dream’
US Open champion has been battling side strain.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to potentially be Novak Djokovic’s last Grand Slam this year
His vaccination status strikes again!
-
ATP TourLiam Broady on his transformation as a player and ditching nights out
He’s gone from third tier tournaments to Wimbledon wildcard.
-
WimbledonCoco Gauff believes Serena Williams is still dangerous despite year break
She could be a serious contender at SW19.
-
ATP TourAndy Murray rules out any possibility of playing in Saudi Arabia
He won’t be making the trip to the country anytime soon.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal gives positive fitness update ahead of Wimbledon: ‘I can walk normally most of the days’
The Spaniard has been battling a chronic foot problem.
-
Tennis NewsExclusive: ‘Novak Djokovic has been treated badly,’ says John Lloyd, but ‘love will come out’ after he retires
John Lloyd feels people will start to “go crazy” for Novak Djokovic once he retires.