Djokovic closes in on record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title with victory over Thiem in Internazionali BNL d’Italia semi-final
Novak Djokovic produced a show of astounding dominance on Saturday to sweep Dominic Thiem aside and book a place in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final.
The world number two had to finish off his quarter-final against Juan Martin del Potro earlier in the day, but showed no signs of fatigue as he breezed past Thiem 6-1 6-0.
Thiem impressed by ousting ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal in the previous round, but had no answer for Djokovic, who faces Alexander Zverev in a final on Sunday when he will be seeking a record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title.
The 2016 runner-up’s struggles since completing a career Grand Slam at the French Open last year have been well documented, but he appeared close to his domineering best and was 5-0 up in the first set after 18 minutes.
Djokovic dictated proceedings, putting Thiem on the back foot and not allowing him an inch. The Austrian managed to avoid the bagel, but the second seed forced an error to clinch the set in rapid speed.
First time in a while I can see fire in Novaks face again …#ATPRome
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 20, 2017
How did he dig that out?!?@DjokerNole #ibi17 pic.twitter.com/hCny2hXUM5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 20, 2017
A huge roar was let out by the 12-time major winner after he started the second with a break, and his brilliant defence meant Thiem had to take greater risks – a wide forehand soon put him 3-0 down.
The Serbian was not denied the bagel in the second set, sending him into the final high on confidence.
