ATP: Dominic Thiem wins 11th career title in St. Petersburg

Dominic Thiem has won the ATP 250 tournament in St Petersburg, celebrating his eleventh career title. In the final, the world ranking night beat Slovakian Martin Klizan 6:3 and 6:1.

The omens before the fourth duel between Dominic Thiem and Martin Klizan were not too good for the Austrian. All three duels had lost the world’s number eight against the Slovakian before the final in St. Petersburg.

Thiem wanted to end this dry spell against the 29-year-old in the Russian metropolis and the man from Lichtenwörth started strongly and played pressurefully and aggressively on the fast underground. When it came to service, the US Open quarter-finalist seemed sovereign and didn’t stay long with his service games.

Thiem set the first pinprick on the return at the right moment and took the lead with a break and 4:3. The 25-year-old made only a few mistakes and his powerful strokes had an effect. Thiem seemed to have gained even more self-confidence with the lead in the back and continued to act in forward gear.

Klizan’s resistance revealed gaps and Thiem took his chance for another break and took the first set 6:3 after 37 minutes of play.

In the second round, too, the “Dominator” – who lived up to his name – did not let up and hit forehands of 150 km/h into the Slovakian’s field. The return on the backhand also worked excellently in St Petersburg and gave Austria’s number one the quick break and 2-0 lead.

During the break after the 3:0 Klizan was treated on his left knee and demanded a three-minute medical timeout. This was not approved by the ATP supervisor due to the treatment and Klizan lost his composure. “I need a normal treatment! Three minutes and a regular medical timeout,” Klizan shouted. When the chief referee did not agree to this wish, the Slovak smashed his drinking bottle and the court had to be cleaned of the sticky drink.

Thiem did not let himself be deterred by this and confidently served to the 4:1 lead despite the tumult. Thiem seemed to focus even more on the excitement surrounding the lack of treatment for his opponent and the Lower Austrian won what seemed to be lost rallies.

Klizan on the other side only had to shake his head and the Slovakian could not prevent a 5-1 break for Thiem. After 1:10 hours of play, Thiem turned his first match point and won his first indoor title. The final victory against Klizan earned the Austrian his 11th ATP title.

In addition, Thiem sen Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov will be overtaken in the world rankings and placed seventh. In the Live Race to London Thiem also makes up a place and is ahead of Kevin Anderson in the qualification for the ATP finals.