Novak Djokovic vs. Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem has won 6 titles over the past 1.5 seasons.  5 of those titles have come on clay.  By today’s standards, 22 is young on the tour and Thiem may be the brightest spot among the younger players.  A young man on his favorite surface who is playing great tennis should have a shot in his first major semifinal.  Shouldn’t he?

I think Thiem does have a shot, but it is contingent on Novak feeling the pressure of being 6 sets away from being the reigning champion at all 4 majors.  If Novak is a bit off of his game, Thiem might play confident enough tennis to shock the world.  In 3 years, I will probably be favoring Thiem over Djokovic if they meet in the second week of a major.  For now, Novak’s game is just too airtight and Thiem’s weapons just aren’t quite sharp enough for me to see a changing of the guard (even if only for a day).  Novak’s movement and return should be enough to turn back a feisty challenge from Dominic Thiem.

My Prediction: Novak Djokovic d. Dominic Thiem 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4