Dominic Thiem and Steve Johnson reached the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome: The two defeated Alexander and Mischa Zverev 6:7 (4), 6:3, 10:7.
Two breaks in a double match should actually be enough for success. If the timing is right. However, Dominic Thiem and Steve Johnson lost Alexander and Mischa Zverev in the second set to 2:1 and 6:3. And had to go to the match tiebreak.
The Austrian and his US-American partner won with 10:7.
Court 1 was quite well attended on this Tuesday afternoon – the game could only start late due to an extensive rain phase. On the court the fans got to see three players who are still represented in the singles: Steve Johnson after his opening win against Stan Wawrinka, Thiem and Zverev as higher ranked players after a walk-through.
The two top players in their country each have to deal with Italians: Zverev will face Matteo Berretini on Wednesday, Thiem will face Fabio Fognini, the Azzurri’s top player in the ATP world rankings.
A re-run of the Madrid final is possible, although difficult to achieve: Thiem would probably meet Rafael Nadal again in the quarter-finals, Zverev’s path is a little easier. Even if Juan Martin del Potro could hit in the last eight.
In doubles, however, there is still something to be done – and the assignment is particularly appealing for Dominic Thiem. It’s against Mate Pavic and Oliver Marach. With the latter, Austria’s number one could serve against Australia in the Davis Cup in September.
Here is the double tableau of the men in Rome