Categories: ATPBastadTop Story

Thiem comeback takes flight in Sweden

Dominic Thiem produced a second straight show of comeback form on Thursday, defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(5), 3-6 6-4 at the ATP Bastad event for his first quarter-final since May of last year.

The 339th-ranked Austrian who went through more than a year of injury comeback stress compounded by a spring case of COVID, has hit his rhythm on the summer clay.

The 2020 US Open champion who once touched third in the world, took two and three-quarter hours to advance in Sweden against his fourth-seeded Spanish opponent.

“It is great to play here, it’s an amazing atmosphere,: the 28-year-old Austrian said.

“I’m so happy that I won and can have at least another match tomorrow. It was really good.”

Thiem added; “The (first-round) win against Emil (Ruusuvuori) gave me confidence that I can compete against the best players in the world.

‘Roberto is such a tough opponent. I was expecting and hoping it would be a close match.” 

Second seed Andrey Rublev played his first match since missing out on Wimbledon due to the ban on Russians, reaching the last eight 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(2) over Federico Coria.

Tournament debutant Rublev managed the wind as well as a difficult opponent as he recovered after losing a 5-3 lead in the third set to move through after more than two and a half hours.

“I’m happy that I won, Federico played really well today, especially in the third set when he raised the level,” the winner said. “It was really tough to play against.”

Rublev is seeking a fourth title this season after winning events in Marseille, Dubai and Belgrade.

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Nadal goes down in final match

Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…

2 days ago

Sinner flattens de Minaur in runaway home start

Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…

2 weeks ago

Madcap Medvedev suffers temperamental Turin Finals loss

Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…

2 weeks ago

Team Sinner considering skipping Monte Carlo

Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…

2 weeks ago

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

1 month ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

1 month ago