Dominic Thiem labels Djokovic “King of Australia” following semi-final victory over Zverev

Dominic Thiem reached his third Grand Slam championship final with a win at the Australian Open. Thiem beat Alexander Zverev with a scoreline of a 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(4). Following the victory, Thiem said: “It was an unreal match, two tie-breaks, too tough and too close. It was almost impossible to break him on his serve, so accurate. But Australian Open final, unreal! I was playing four hours 10 against Rafa, the most intense guy on tour. I was in bed at five that night with all the adrenaline so today was a tough start for me.  “In grand slam semi-finals the levels of guts is so high, there were many key moments. At 5-4 in the second, I had to save many set points.  I felt I was in Austria on a skiing holiday where they play this song all the time [when they played Sweet Caroline over the PA during the break when some of the lights went out]. It loosened me up a bit.  “Tie-breaks are always fifty-fifty. I started both well but it was close. I was feeling nerves, I was putting so much effort in and my stomach was not ready for that, it was rebelling a bit but it went away again. It often happens in big matches.” Thiem will face Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday. “I have been twice in the Roland Garros final, twice facing Rafa, and now I am facing Djokovic, he is the ‘King of Australia’, winning seven titles here," said Thiem. "I will try my best and do everything I can to win. But if I walk off the court in two days’ time a loser, I will be patient and trust the process and continue to work hard.” Source- ATP

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