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For Dominic Thiem, he continues to be excellent in the city that has experienced its greatest success so far in the room. The French Open finalist, after a 4: 6.6: 4.6: 4 loss to reigning American title holder Jack Sock, has the chance to qualify for his second big final in Paris this year. To do this, he must defeat the Russian Karen Khachanov on Saturday (from 14:00).
For the second time this year after his final in Madrid, Thiem is in the semifinals of a Masters 1000 tournament, for the first time in the hall, where he plays his best fall so far. Set 6 of Lower Austria beat Sock on Friday after 2:14 pm and was therefore happy.
"It was the weakest match of the three here," explained Thiem in Sky's interview. "I was not as nervous as the past two days, because that was another important step for me: it was only my fourth Masters 1000 Halfinale and the first indoor that happened, but it was another big fight. "
Thiem will play for the first time against Khachanov: "He was good last time, won Moscow and played well in Vienna and again." He knows the Russians very well because of his cooperation with former Thiem coach Galo Blanco. "I have had a lot of workouts with him, he is one of the best training partners – only the best guy wins". Khachanov was previously out after John Isner in the quarterfinals placed German number four Alexander Zverev.
Quali for the ATP finals in hand
Thiem still qualifies for the ATP finals in London. In addition, he has significantly increased pressure on his competitor Kei Nishikori: the Japanese, who had Friday night against Roger Federer on the ground, no longer reach the final east of the city of Seine. The Vienna finalist must now win the tournament, depending on the future performance of Thiem.
Sock started strong in the fourth duel with Thiem. The American, who after a year below Paris, 1,400 out of a total of only 1,760 points of the ranking, had just returned to his form in Paris-Bercy. Where he surprisingly won the title a year ago and had qualified for the final at the last moment. The other 400 points lose the sock of last year's semifinal at the Masters. Sock got a break at 3: 0 or 4: 1, but Thiem resisted with a 3: 4 EQ from Rebreak. After 42 minutes, he had to give 4: 6 further service.
In the second round, Thiem scored the break of 3: 2 and did not take advantage of this advantage until the end. With the third set, he equaled with the 6: 4 sets. In the decisive round, Thiem seemed cooler than the Americans by one more year. With a break at 3: 2, Thiem set the stage for the third victory against the current 23rd world rank
Thiem is not only heading for his third Masters 1000 final, but also for his sixth this year: in addition to winning tournaments in Buenos Aires, Lyon and for the first time in the St. Petersburg Hall, he was also in Madrid and Roland Garros. final.
"The semifinals at 1000 are something special for me"
Dominic Thiem looked very relieved and delighted after his fourth appearance in the semifinals on Paris soil (three times before at Roland Garros). "Jack put a lot of pressure on me," Thiem whispered. And the tension before the first semifinal in Paris-Bercy was also present. "A semifinal on 1000 is something special for me, especially in Paris."
Khachanov, his multiple training partner, will be premiering on the ATP circuit. "He's one of the last best players I've ever played against, it's hard for everyone, but he's in great shape and I think we're waiting for the match with impatience."
Thiem, who has been studying French diligently for several months, can he already speak to the public of Bercy in the local language? Not yet. "I do not want to be arrogant: Djokovic speaks very well, but I can do it at least as well, but I still do not have the courage to say it in front of a camera."
To speculation on the expected cancellation of Juan Martin Del Potro or his not yet official place at the London Masters, Thiem remained relaxed. "I'm going to London anyway, maybe as a substitute," he laughs. "But of course, it would be nice to be back for the third time in a row and I will be very happy when it is officially confirmed."
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