Tennis: Thiem meets Federer at the ATP Finals

In the group "Guga Kuerten" duel Novak Djokovic (SRB), Alexander Zverev (GER / 3), Marin Cilic (CRO / 5) and John Isner (USA / 8). The winners of the respective groups meet in the semi-finals on the second of the other group. Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal, who had resigned a few hours earlier, and Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) injured his knee, are also missing from the match in the O2 Arena.

For Thiem, it is the first duel with Federer since 2016, when he beat the Swiss in the sand on the sand in three sets in the semi-finals of Stuttgart. Before the fourth duel, it is in the 2: 1 face to face for Thiem. Against Nishikori lost the last Lichtenwörther in the quarterfinals in Vienna 3: 6 1: 6 – the Japanese lead in the direct duels 3: 1. Anderson is in the same race with a 6: 2 lead, but Thiem won this year at the US Open in the second round of the last meeting.

Thiem meets Anderson for the start

Thiem coach, Günter Bresnik, was not impressed by the APA. "These are all winners of several tournaments.It's normal for a master, no matter what group you are in. If you think that Nadal and Del Potro are not even there, it's crazy "Bresnik, who was not surprised by Nadal's cancellation a few hours before the draw, will travel to London on Thursday with his protégé.

Thiem starts the tournament on Sunday: at 3 pm, the 25-year-old meets the winner from Vienna. In the evening (21:00) takes place the second group match between Federer and Nishikori instead.

The eleven-time winner of the tournament was set to survive for the first time in the group stage. "Of course, for every player who goes there, it's the goal.First, I have to survive the round robin and if I'm in the semifinals, I do not want to lose," he said. Bresnik.

Looking at last year's finalists, winner Grigor Dimitrow and runner-up David Goffin, Bresnik said: "If they can be in the final of last year, I do not know why Domi does not could not be there? There is no reason. "Incidentally, the two finalists last year did not qualify in 2018.

Three qualified Austrians

The Austrian men are represented in the final as strong as ever before: In addition to Thiem, the double specialists Oliver Marach and Alexander Peya solved the tickets for the lucrative final of the ATP season.

Although Thiem had to fear for his fixed starting position in the O2 Arena until the last, the anticipation of the tournament of the eight best players of the year did not not braked. "It's very very positive, I'm really looking forward to the week in London," he said after Saturday's semi-final in Paris-Bercy, against future winner Karen Khachanov.

His expectations for London have increased. "I play a lot better than the last two years, it's definitely, I feel cooler and of course I'm also experienced, I think I've settled down there and the big goal is of course to get ahead. Round Robin for the first time. "

Strong double tradition pursued

While Thiem only qualify as second Austrian after Thomas Muster for the season finale, Marach and Peya have continued the strong double appearance of the ÖTV players of the last decade. Eleven years ago, Julian Knowle launched a series of successful Austrian doubles specialists, with the US Open title and the Masters qualification. The Vorarlberger, who is currently trying to get in shape after a long break at the age of 44, was even in the final of the 2007 Masters Cup.

Since then, Marach (this year for the fourth time), Peya (this year for the third time) and the double winner of the Major-Double Jürgen Melzer (in the years 2010 and 2011) have participated several times in the confrontation of the season at the O2-Arena.

Peyas start again open

Behind Peyas Ankommen, who denied his last match on August 17, stands after a long elbow injury, but remains a question mark. "Therapy and trying to touch me to tennis more and more 100% Only then can I really know how the elbow will react and if it will last," said Peya about his chances of leaving for London.

"Of course, I can not evaluate that in terms of performance, my first priority is simply to put my body in shape to get on the field." The qualification alone is already a victory for Peya. "A year ago, I was over 70 years old in the world and I was already far away, and from my point of view, setting such a season is also sensational." rejoices in the density of his home in London. "Three Austrians for a country like Austria: This still shows how much we are a strong tennis nation."

Marach finds "sensational" that an Austrian trio is in London. Alex wonders how fit he is, but it would be nice if three Austrians go there at first, it would be an absolute madness.

Marach will not start until Monday

Peya would start with his Croatian partner Nikola Mektic on Sunday (not before 7:00 pm) against Colombian number two Juan Sebastian Cabal / Robert Farah. Other opponents are Jamie Murray / Bruno Soares (GBR / BRA / 4) and Raven Klaasen / Michael Venus (RSA / NZL / 6).

Mate Pavic's best seed, Marach, will open his Masters on Monday (1 pm) against Frenchman number two, Pierre-Hugues Herbert / Nicolas Mahut. In addition, Styria meets the Croatians on Lukasz Kubot / Marcelo Melo (POL / BRA / 3) and Mike Bryan / Jack Sock (USA / 5).

ATP Finals in London

(England, $ 8,500,000, hard ground)

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