The semi-finals were played on Friday at the Open de Nice. For its 6th edition, the tournament offered us a great spectacle. No French players, but a fine clash of styles between Dominic Thiem and John Isner followed by a generational showdown between the sensation of the moment, the young Croatian Coric, who faced Leonardo Mayer.
Austria has its new prodigy
Dominic Thiem knew he would need to be patient to overcome the American.
“Against Isner, I expect to receive a lot of aces. It’s going to be tough because he can beat anyone. I’ll have very few opportunities on his service games, so I need to stay very focused on my service games, or else it’s going to be very difficult.”
Initially put under pressure by a very convincing Isner on serve and aggressive on return, Dominic Thiem remained composed today.
In the first set, both men held their serves until “money time,” at 4 games all. The Austrian earned his first break points—three in total—all masterfully saved by the American giant. Remarkably patient and far from frustrated, the Austrian finally broke through after an endless game but appeared nervous when it came to closing it out.
In the tiebreak, the exchange started to get tough for the American, who surprisingly seemed to tire. Bothered by the sun, Isner missed a can’t-miss smash following a second lob intelligently played by the Austrian, who secured the mini-break. The turning point of the match.
After a superb two-shot passing shot, Thiem, very strong, claimed the first set against the specialist who had only lost three all season.
John Isner had a disastrous start to the second set and quickly fell behind 3/0.
Resigned, too quickly resigned. The American apparently did not want to jeopardize his chances for Roland Garros, which begins next week.
As a symbol, the Austrian closed the match with an 11th ace. Despite some brilliant strokes, it is indeed Dominic Thiem who will play his second final on the circuit, the first outside his country.
Whatever the result on Saturday, Austria can be proud, the future is secured.
Coric will have to wait …
At just 18 years old, Borna Coric already has everything of a great player. After defeating the Australian James Duckworth in two sets in the previous round, the young Croatian faced the tournament’s fourth seed, the Argentine Leonardo Mayer.
Presented as the future star of the circuit, the young protégé of Thomas Johansson, former world number 7, more than showcased his potential yesterday on the main court in Nice.
However, Leonardo Mayer’s experience made the difference. Much more opportunistic, the Argentine got the better of his young opponent, who showed significant difficulties in return, notably. Borna Coric stood far from his line, continuously moving side to side. Trailing 6-4, 3-1, the young Croatian, very combative, refused to give up and even managed to earn 4 break points which he never converted. The Argentine was in good form. Borna Coric grew frustrated and annoyed, even receiving a conduct warning after launching a ball into the stands.
Without dropping a single set, Leonardo Mayer secured his ticket to the final 6-4, 6-3, and will face Dominic Thiem, a first-time match-up in the tournament!
For Coric, all indicators are green. His lack of efficiency against numerous break points was his downfall. However, the week was rich in experience; he will be the player to watch at Roland Garros.
