Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem Tennis Prediction
Though Djokovic leads the H2H 6-1, their H2H in 2017 was tied at 1-1 as both bageled each other on the clay courts of Rome Masters and the French Open. At the moment, there’s really nothing much between them, especially on clay, and considering both are on the comeback trail, this is expected to be a 50-50 contest.
Novak Djokovic News
Novak Djokovic defeated Borna Coric in straight sets on Wednesday to set up a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal at the French Open (vs. Dominic Thiem).
The lack of confidence and match time was evident as the Serbian #1 was broken while serving for the match at 7-6 *5-4 (40-0). Overall, he needed ten match points to close out the match, 7-6 7-5.
“It was a real battle. I mean, I could have won the match earlier definitely, but it was great to deal with these kinds of emotions again,” said Djokovic after his win over Borna Coric in the second round.
This is the first time since 2006 (debut appearance), Novak Djokovic had to play a first-round match at the Monte Carlo Masters as he got an R1 bye in the nine other appearances. The two-times Monte Carlo champion’s only round of 16 loss here came against David Ferrer in 2007.
Dominic Thiem News
Dominic Thiem is the last player to bagel Novak Djokovic (at the French Open 2017, 7-6 6-3 6-0) and this is their first meeting on tour since then. A win over the Austrian #1 on Thursday, will probably set up a much-awaited quarterfinal clash between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
“He’s one of the best players in the world in general. Obviously, top three on this surface.” – Novak Djokovic on Dominic Thiem ahead of this round of 16 clash.
Playing his first match since returning from the short injury break, Dominic Thiem put in a shaky performance as he fought back from a set down and saved a match point (on return) before just managing to cross the line against Andrey Rublev, 5-7 7-5 7-5.
Dominic Thiem has never progressed beyond the round of 16 at Monte Carlo. He lost his previous R16 matches to Rafael Nadal in 2016 and David Goffin in 2017.Big match for today: Novak Djokovic vs Dominic Thiem at ATP – SINGLES: Monte Carlo (Monaco), clay.
Tennis Prediction: Novak Djokovic
Odds: 1.73
